Gerald Barry's "Barry: Orchestral Works," released on November 26, 1997, under the Marco-Polo label, is a captivating journey into the realms of chamber and avant-garde music. This album, spanning a total of 58 minutes, showcases Barry's unique compositional style and his ability to blend traditional orchestral elements with modern, experimental sounds.
The album features six tracks, each offering a distinct auditory experience. From the delicate intricacies of "Of Queens' Gardens" to the bold and dynamic "Hard D," Barry's compositions are both technically impressive and deeply engaging. The avant-garde nature of the music is evident in tracks like "Cheveaux-de-frise" and "Flamboys," where Barry pushes the boundaries of conventional orchestration.
"Sur les pointes" and "Diner" further demonstrate Barry's versatility, with the former showcasing a more classical approach and the latter incorporating elements of contemporary music. Throughout the album, Barry's mastery of orchestral arrangement is evident, making "Barry: Orchestral Works" a standout release for fans of both chamber and avant-garde music.