Carson Cooman's "Revolutionary Earthworks: Music for Mechanical Piano" is a captivating exploration of minimalist composition, released on Zimbel Records in 2009. This concise yet impactful collection spans just 31 minutes, featuring a series of intricate and engaging pieces performed on the mechanical piano. Cooman's work is known for its precision and innovation, and this album is no exception.
The album opens with "Three Canons for Mechanical Piano," a trio of pieces that showcase Cooman's ability to weave complex, interlocking melodies. The first, "A Watermelon Rondo," is a playful and rhythmic composition, while the second, "Pleading the Fifth," takes a more contemplative turn. The final canon, "Faster and Commander," brings the set to a dynamic close.
Following this, "A Little Dance for Bill" offers a brief but lively interlude, demonstrating Cooman's versatility. The album then delves into "Triadic Legends," another three-part suite. Each piece, from the steady pulse of "Truest Horse" to the introspective "The Strangeness of Kindling," and the title track "Revolutionary Earthworks," highlights Cooman's ability to evoke a range of moods and atmospheres through minimalist means.
Throughout "Revolutionary Earthworks," Cooman's mastery of the mechanical piano is evident, creating a sound that is both mechanical and deeply expressive. This album is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to push the boundaries of minimalist music.
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