Phoenix

1998

{CD}

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This disc showcases the virtuosity and lyricism of the two performing ensembles as well as the works they perform. George Crumb, who has created other musical settings of poetry by Federico Garciá Lorca, embraces these texts with a singularity of purpose. Even Crumb's manuscripts are crafted to reflect the words: in some cases the music is set down in various shapes (such as circles). Although the composer often uses a limited ensemble of instruments (rather than a full orchestra), he seems to evoke every possible sonority. In Songs, Drones and Refrains of Death, for example, Crumb deftly uses the sounds of the jew's harp, water-filled crystals, guitars (both acoustic and electric), "altered" piano, and a cacophony of percussion instruments to highlight Lorca's textual canvas. Added to this is a whole world of whispers, shouts, phoenetic sounds, and yes, even old-fashioned singing by the baritone soloist. It is quite a formidable undertaking to perform Crumb's music, but the Philadelphia Composer's Forum elegantly captures the simultaneous brightness and darkness of these haunting settings. Baritone Lawrence Weller has the perfect voice for this work. This is a remarkable performance.

Carl Albert Johnson, Classical Insites, 8/5/98