Dive into the avant-garde world of George Crumb with his captivating album "Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening," released on April 22, 2022, under B Records. This mesmerizing collection blends the genres of avant-garde and chamber music, offering a unique auditory experience that spans a full hour and one minute.
The album is a journey through Crumb's distinctive compositions, starting with the hauntingly beautiful "Black Angels," a piece that explores the darker corners of the human experience. The suite "Thirteen Images from the Dark Land" delves deeper into this realm, with movements like "Departure," "Absence," and "Return" painting a vivid sonic landscape. Each movement is a masterclass in emotional depth and musical innovation, showcasing Crumb's ability to evoke powerful imagery through sound.
The second half of the album presents "Makrokosmos III, Music for a Summer Evening," a stark contrast to the darker themes of the first half. This suite is a celebration of light and life, with movements like "Nocturnal Sounds. The Awakening," "Wanderer-Fantasy," and "Music of the Starry Night" creating a sense of wonder and awe. Crumb's use of unconventional instruments and techniques adds an extra layer of intrigue, making this a standout piece in his repertoire.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, George Crumb's "Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening" is an album that demands your attention. It's a testament to Crumb's genius and a must-listen for anyone interested in the boundaries of chamber music.
2022 B Records2022 B Records
Tracks
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Departure: I. Threnody I "Night of the Electric Insects"George Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Departure: II. Sounds of Bones and FlutesGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Departure: III. Lost BellsGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Departure: IV. Devil-musicGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Departure: V. Danse MacabreGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Absence: I. Pavana LachrymaeGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Absence: II. Threnody II "Black Angels!"George Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Absence: III. Sarabanda de la Muerte OscuraGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Absence: IV. Lost Bells (Echo)George Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Return: I. God-musicGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Return: II. Ancient VoicesGeorge Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Return: III. Ancient Voices (Echo)George Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Black Angels, Thirteen Images from the Dark Land, Return: IV. Threnody III "Night of the Electric Insects"George Crumb, Quatuor Hanson
Makrokosmos III, Music for a Summer Evening: I. Nocturnal Sounds. The AwakeningGeorge Crumb, Philippe Hattat, Théo Fouchenneret, Emmanuel Jacquet, Rodolphe Théry
Makrokosmos III, Music for a Summer Evening: II. Wanderer-FantasyGeorge Crumb, Philippe Hattat, Théo Fouchenneret, Emmanuel Jacquet, Rodolphe Théry
Makrokosmos III, Music for a Summer Evening: III. The AdventGeorge Crumb, Philippe Hattat, Théo Fouchenneret, Emmanuel Jacquet, Rodolphe Théry
Makrokosmos III, Music for a Summer Evening: IV. MythGeorge Crumb, Philippe Hattat, Théo Fouchenneret, Emmanuel Jacquet, Rodolphe Théry
Makrokosmos III, Music for a Summer Evening: V. Music of the Starry NightGeorge Crumb, Philippe Hattat, Théo Fouchenneret, Emmanuel Jacquet, Rodolphe Théry