Ned Rorem's "Chamber Music with Flute" is a captivating exploration of the composer's expressive and lyrical style, showcasing his profound affinity for the flute. Released in 2011 under the Naxos label, this neoclassical and avant-garde album spans a concise yet impactful 1 hour and 9 minutes, featuring a diverse array of compositions that highlight Rorem's mastery of chamber music.
The album opens with "Mountain Song," a delicate and evocative piece for flute and piano, setting the tone for the rest of the collection. The centerpiece of the album is Rorem's adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," a series of nine movements that beautifully capture the essence of the play's emotional depth and dramatic tension. Each movement is a miniature masterpiece, showcasing the flute's versatility and Rorem's skill in translating literary works into music.
The "Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano" is another highlight, featuring four movements that range from the mysterious and slow "Largo misterioso" to the energetic and lively "Allegro molto." This trio demonstrates Rorem's ability to create intricate and engaging dialogues between the instruments.
"Book of Hours" is a meditative and introspective suite, inspired by the monastic hours of prayer. Each of the eight movements corresponds to a different hour, from the serene "Matins (Nocturne)" to the reflective "Compline (Nightfall)." This suite offers a sense of tranquility and contemplation, providing a stark contrast to the more dramatic pieces on the album.
The album concludes with "4 Prayers," a set of four distinct movements that explore different moods and tempos, from the subdued and introspective "First Prayer" to the lively and energetic "Last Prayer."
Throughout the album, flutist Fenwick Smith delivers polished and expressive performances, accompanied by the skilled pianists Mihae Lee and others. Rorem's music, rooted in the classical French tradition, is brought to life with clarity and precision, making this album a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
Tracks
Mountain Song (Version for flute and piano)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Mihae Lee
Romeo and Juliet: I. I ne're saw true beauty till This nightNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: II. Queen Mab hath been with youNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: III. How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues by nightNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: IV. O serpent heart …Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: V. … Sad hours seem longNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: VI. … It was the nightingaleNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: VII. Come weep with meNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: VIII. … Empty tigersNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Romeo and Juliet: IX. … Never was a story of more woeNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, David Leisner
Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano: I. Largo misterioso - AllegroNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ronald Thomas, Mihae Lee
Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano: II. LargoNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ronald Thomas, Mihae Lee
Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano: III. AndanteNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ronald Thomas, Mihae Lee
Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano: IV. Allegro moltoNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ronald Thomas, Mihae Lee
Book of Hours: I. Matins (Nocturne)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: II. Lauds (Sunrise)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: III. Prime (6am)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: IV. Terce (Mid-morning)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: V. Sext (Noon)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: VI. None (Mid-afternooon)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: VII. Vespers (Evensong)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
Book of Hours: VIII. Compline (Nightfall)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Ann Hobson Pilot
4 Prayers: First Prayer: Quarter note = 60, without expressionNed Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Mihae Lee
4 Prayers: Second Prayer: Half note = 50Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Mihae Lee
4 Prayers: Third Prayer: Loud and Fast, quarter note = 144 (a palindrome)Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Mihae Lee
4 Prayers: Last Prayer: Quarter note = 69Ned Rorem, Fenwick Smith, Mihae Lee
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