The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives

Immerse yourself in the avant-garde musical landscape of Charles Ives with "The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives." Released on January 1, 2008, under New World Records, this album is a captivating collection of 25 tracks that showcase Ives' innovative and experimental approach to music. Spanning a duration of 56 minutes, the album is a testament to Ives' unique compositional style, blending traditional and modern elements to create a sound that is both timeless and groundbreaking.

The album opens with "Songs my mother taught me," a tender and nostalgic piece that sets the stage for the diverse range of emotions and themes explored throughout the collection. From the hauntingly beautiful "The Housatonic at Stockbridge" to the powerful and dramatic "General William Booth Enters into Heaven," each track offers a glimpse into Ives' rich musical imagination.

Ives' ability to weave together different musical styles and influences is evident in tracks like "Du bist wie eine Blume," a German art song that showcases his mastery of classical forms, and "The New River," an experimental piece that pushes the boundaries of traditional song structure. The album also includes several settings of poems by his wife, Harmony Twichell, such as "The Light That Is Felt" and "Feldeinsamkeit," which highlight Ives' deep emotional connection to his subject matter.

Throughout the album, Ives' use of dissonance, polytonality, and other avant-garde techniques creates a sense of tension and drama that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener. Whether you're a longtime fan of Ives' music or a newcomer to his work, "The Light That is Felt: Songs of Charles Ives" is an essential addition to any music collection.