George Crumb's "Crumb: Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening 'Makrokosmos III'" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde chamber music, released in 2006 under Mode Records. This album is a unique blend of two distinct works by the renowned composer, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.
The first half of the album features "Music for a Summer Evening 'Makrokosmos III'," a piece originally composed for two amplified pianos and percussion. This work is a departure from traditional piano music, incorporating extended techniques and unconventional instrumentation to create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. The title suggests a serene and pastoral atmosphere, but the music itself is anything but conventional, showcasing Crumb's innovative approach to composition.
The second half of the album is dedicated to "Black Angels," a powerful and evocative work for string quartet and orchestra. Arranged by Juan Pablo Izquierdo, this piece is divided into three parts: "Departure," "Absence," and "Return." Each part explores different themes and moods, ranging from the eerie and unsettling to the profoundly moving. The title "Black Angels" suggests a dark and mysterious quality, and the music certainly delivers on this promise, with its haunting melodies and dissonant harmonies.
Throughout the album, Crumb's signature style is evident, with his use of extended techniques, unconventional instrumentation, and innovative compositional approaches. The performances by the Cuarteto Latinoamericano and the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic are exceptional, bringing Crumb's vision to life with precision and passion.
With a duration of just over 50 minutes, this album is a testament to Crumb's enduring influence on the world of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde chamber music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Crumb: Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening 'Makrokosmos III'" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Tracks
Music for a Summer Evening "Makrokosmos III": I. Nocturnal SoundsGeorge Crumb, Luz Manrรญquez, Walter Morales, Brian Spurgeon, Mark Shope, Michael Passaris, Nena Lorenz, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Music for a Summer Evening "Makrokosmos III": II. Wanderer-FantasieGeorge Crumb, Andrรฉs Cladera, Luz Manrรญquez, Walter Morales, Brian Spurgeon, Mark Shope, Michael Passaris, Nena Lorenz, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Music for a Summer Evening "Makrokosmos III": III. The AdventGeorge Crumb, Luz Manrรญquez, Walter Morales, Brian Spurgeon, Mark Shope, Michael Passaris, Nena Lorenz, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Music for a Summer Evening "Makrokosmos III": IV. MythGeorge Crumb, Andrรฉs Cladera, Luz Manrรญquez, Walter Morales, Brian Spurgeon, Mark Shope, Michael Passaris, Nena Lorenz, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Music for a Summer Evening "Makrokosmos III": V. Music of the Starry NightGeorge Crumb, Luz Manrรญquez, Walter Morales, Brian Spurgeon, Mark Shope, Michael Passaris, Nena Lorenz, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 1 "Departure" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 1, Threnody I. Night of the Electric InsectsGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 1 "Departure" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 2, Sounds of Bones & FlutesGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 1 "Departure" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 3, Lost BellsGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 1 "Departure" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 4, Devil-musicGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 1 "Departure" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 5, Danse macabreGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 2 "Absence" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 6, Pavana LachrymaeGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 2 "Absence" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 7, Threnody II. Black Angels!George Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 2 "Absence" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 8, Sarabanda de la Muerte OscuraGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 2 "Absence" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 9, Lost BellsGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 3 "Return" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 10, God-musicGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 3 "Return" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 11, Ancient VoicesGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 3 "Return" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): Ancient VoicesGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
Black Angels, 13 Images from the Dark Land, Pt. 3 "Return" (Arr. J.P. Izquierdo for String Quartet & Orchestra): No. 13, Threnody III. Night of the Electric InsectsGeorge Crumb, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra, Juan Pablo Izquierdo
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