Description

After experimenting with new ways of using 12-tone technique in the eighties, Rzewski shows a freer, more spontaneous approach to composition in his recent work. The Road (1996) is a composition of epic proportions (only two of its eight sections are played here, totaling 42 minutes), containing a large variety of idioms. Whangdoodles (1990) was written for the trio which performs it here. The music is based on an American folk song and a traditional Yiddish song, and combines Western and Eastern approaches to form, to choice of instruments and musical styles as well. To the Earth (1985) is scored for one percussionist playing four flower pots, who recites a text based on a Homeric hymn. All three works on this CD are recording premieres.

The Road for solo piano (1996): Part I (Turns); Part II (Tracks); Frederic Rzewski, piano; Whangdoodles (1990); The Abel-Steinberg-Winant Trio (David Abel, violin; Julie Steinberg, piano; William Winant, percussion); To the Earth (1985); William Winant, percussion. Total time: 75:11. (DDD)

UPC #0-17685-10002-4.