Liner Notes
Cat. No. NWCRL553
Release Date: 2011-07-15
Contemporary Music Forum: Helmut Braunlich, violin; Lori Barnet, cello; Katherine Hay, flute; Ronald Aufmann, clarinet, bass clarinet; Randall Eyles, percussion; Barbro Dahlman, piano; William Wright, Conductor; Pamela Jordan, soprano
Music of Amber, written for the New York New Music Ensemble and completed in February, 1981, is scored for flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, piano and percussion.
A brief original poem accompanies each of the work's two movements or parts. While the work is not programmatic in the traditional sense, the poems did provide a landscape of extra-musical images and ideas which enhanced and stimulated the compositional process. This procedure of responding and reacting musically to poetic stimuli is found in several of my recent works, including Aftertones of Infinity (1978) and Distant Runes and Incantations (1984)... —Joseph Schwantner
Solstice (1977), commissioned by the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota for its national convention, is one of a number of works inspired by my interest in astronomy.
The text deals with the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its southernmost point and appears to stand still before proceeding on its journey.
The music is atmospheric, with emphasis on color and drama. Soft strokes by finger cymbals, taken up by chime-like chords on the piano, set up the "sense of awe and mystery" called for at the beginning of the score, and create a motive which recurs from time to time. Flute and voice enter in hushed contrapuntal dialogue. Suddenly the mood becomes much more excited as the singer, against swirling figurations in the piano, flute and glockenspiel, envisions the earth flung out like a vow from the sun... -Jean Eichelberger Ivey
Music of Amber, written for the New York New Music Ensemble and completed in February, 1981, is scored for flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, cello, piano and percussion.
A brief original poem accompanies each of the work's two movements or parts. While the work is not programmatic in the traditional sense, the poems did provide a landscape of extra-musical images and ideas which enhanced and stimulated the compositional process. This procedure of responding and reacting musically to poetic stimuli is found in several of my recent works, including Aftertones of Infinity (1978) and Distant Runes and Incantations (1984)... —Joseph Schwantner
Solstice (1977), commissioned by the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota for its national convention, is one of a number of works inspired by my interest in astronomy.
The text deals with the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its southernmost point and appears to stand still before proceeding on its journey.
The music is atmospheric, with emphasis on color and drama. Soft strokes by finger cymbals, taken up by chime-like chords on the piano, set up the "sense of awe and mystery" called for at the beginning of the score, and create a motive which recurs from time to time. Flute and voice enter in hushed contrapuntal dialogue. Suddenly the mood becomes much more excited as the singer, against swirling figurations in the piano, flute and glockenspiel, envisions the earth flung out like a vow from the sun... -Jean Eichelberger Ivey
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Full liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Contemporary Music Forum
| MP3/320 | $7.99 | |
| FLAC | $7.99 | |
| WAV | $7.99 | |
| CD-R | $7.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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Music of Amber: I. Wind Willow Whisper
Joseph Schwantner
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Music of Amber: II. Sanctuary
Joseph Schwantner
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Solstice: Part I
Jean Eichelberger Ivey
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Buy
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Solstice: Part II
Jean Eichelberger Ivey
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Buy
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Solstice: Part III
Jean Eichelberger Ivey
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Buy
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