Ned Rorem's "Chamber Music with Flute" is a captivating exploration of neoclassical and avant-garde compositions, released on August 2, 2011, under the prestigious Naxos label. This album is a testament to Rorem's mastery of chamber music, featuring a diverse range of pieces that showcase the flute's versatility and expressive power.
The album opens with "Mountain Song," a serene and introspective piece for flute and piano, setting the tone for the journey ahead. Rorem's interpretation of scenes from Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" follows, offering a unique and hauntingly beautiful perspective on the classic tale. Each movement is a miniature drama, filled with passion, longing, and tragedy.
The centerpiece of the album is the "Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano," a four-movement work that highlights Rorem's intricate compositional style. The trio is a journey in itself, moving from the mysterious and slow "Largo misterioso" to the lively and energetic "Allegro molto."
"Book of Hours" is a cycle of eight pieces inspired by the medieval Christian devotional book of the same name. Each movement corresponds to a different canonical hour, creating a day-long musical journey from Matins to Compline. This suite is a beautiful blend of contemplative and lively moments, reflecting the spiritual and temporal rhythms of the day.
The album concludes with "4 Prayers," a set of four distinct pieces, each with its own unique character and tempo. From the stark and minimalist "First Prayer" to the frenetic and intense "Third Prayer," these pieces offer a profound and varied conclusion to the album.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes, "Chamber Music with Flute" is a rich and rewarding listening experience. Rorem's compositions are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, making this album a standout in the neoclassical and avant-garde genres. Whether you're a longtime fan of Rorem's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to impress and inspire.
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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