Various Artists – Portraits of Three Ladies
November 10th, 2010
Here we have three chunks of serialism-inspired American music from the 1960s. Right out of the gate, an orchestra spackles some seriously quirky instrumental music all over your entire head during Charles Whittenberg’s “Variations for Nine Players,” which steadily progresses from shy single notes to brazen chords. Edwin London’s incredibly boisterous “Portraits of Three Ladies” adds a narrator, a singer and, ironically, plenty of drama and outright free jazz-like scree to the great big bowl of serial that is this CD. Sans emotional vocalists, Richard Hoffman’s “Orchestra Piece 1961” harks back to the formal serialism of “Variations.” Sonorities shift abruptly from light tinkles to blaring explosions, forming a rigorous yet invigorating sound world in the process. When all is sung and done, this is a perfect CD for anyone seeking challenging 20th century music.
Label: New World Records Catalog Number: 80562-2 Format: CD Packaging: Jewel case Tracks: 5 Total Time: 51:38 Country: United States Released: 1999 More: Richard Hoffman, Edwin London, Charles Whittenberg, New World Records
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