Liner Notes
Cat. No. NWCRL333
Release Date: 2010-11-15
Robert Pollock, piano; Alberto Portugheis, piano
Robert Pollock writes:
“Bridgeforms (1972) comprises a group of eight pieces: I — with great energy, II — agitated, III — melancholy, IV — march, V — expressively, VI — slow, somber, VII — delicately, VIII — dance...
“The pieces are straightforward formally, characterized by a confluence of maximum dynamic intensity and registral expansion with large-scale metric accent. These points of confluence as well as the continual use of the six-note series form the connections between pieces.”
Hepzibah Menuhin has supplied the following comments on Alfred Nieman's Sonata No. 2:
“The physical structure of this Sonata is more easily described than its impact on the listener. Its daring sequences are a powerful challenge to both ear and mind within the orderly development of a beautifully balanced framework. This is not a work in quest of originality but an original work by an inspired composer who is also a master craftsman.
“Though meant as a sonata, the work makes no use of sonata form as such. A twelve note row is used to trigger off contrasted ideas in the first movement (Fantasia). The conflict of these ideas evokes a dramatic thrust which generates an impressive climax. The following Passacaglia exploits the same row, this time strictly, building a series of variations on the subject which moves through different transpositions. Fiery variations in the middle resolved to a quiet ending.
“The last movement is built on clusters and the principle of the tone-row as girder. It is called Music of Changes because the nature of the music changes with each girder. There are twelve sections and a coda, which returns contemplatively to the first ideas of the Fantasia.”
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.
Robert Pollock writes:
“Bridgeforms (1972) comprises a group of eight pieces: I — with great energy, II — agitated, III — melancholy, IV — march, V — expressively, VI — slow, somber, VII — delicately, VIII — dance...
“The pieces are straightforward formally, characterized by a confluence of maximum dynamic intensity and registral expansion with large-scale metric accent. These points of confluence as well as the continual use of the six-note series form the connections between pieces.”
Hepzibah Menuhin has supplied the following comments on Alfred Nieman's Sonata No. 2:
“The physical structure of this Sonata is more easily described than its impact on the listener. Its daring sequences are a powerful challenge to both ear and mind within the orderly development of a beautifully balanced framework. This is not a work in quest of originality but an original work by an inspired composer who is also a master craftsman.
“Though meant as a sonata, the work makes no use of sonata form as such. A twelve note row is used to trigger off contrasted ideas in the first movement (Fantasia). The conflict of these ideas evokes a dramatic thrust which generates an impressive climax. The following Passacaglia exploits the same row, this time strictly, building a series of variations on the subject which moves through different transpositions. Fiery variations in the middle resolved to a quiet ending.
“The last movement is built on clusters and the principle of the tone-row as girder. It is called Music of Changes because the nature of the music changes with each girder. There are twelve sections and a coda, which returns contemplatively to the first ideas of the Fantasia.”
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.
Robert Pollock & Alfred Nieman: Piano Works
| MP3/320 | $14.00 | |
| FLAC | $14.00 | |
| WAV | $14.00 | |
| CD-R | $14.00 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
|
Bridgeforms: I. With Great Energy
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: II. Agitated
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: III. Melancholy
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: IV. March
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: V. Expressively
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: VI. Slow, Somber
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: VII. Delicately
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Bridgeforms: VIII. Dance
Robert Pollock
|
Buy
|
|
|
Sonata No. 2: I. Fantasy
Alfred Nieman
|
Buy
|
|
|
Sonata No. 2: II. Passacaglia
Alfred Nieman
|
Buy
|
|
|
Sonata No. 2: III. Music of Changes
Alfred Nieman
|
Buy
|
