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Derek Bermel: Voices
Derek Bermel, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Derek Bermel: Voices
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (6) - Disc #1

Voices is a compilation of three orchestral works and one solo piece by Derek Bermel. Seductively called his spectral potion, Elixir reflects Bermel s influences as varied as John Lennon, Charles Ives, and the Isley Brothe...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Derek Bermel, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Title: Derek Bermel: Voices
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: BMOP/sound
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 1/13/2009
Album Type: Hybrid SACD - DSD
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 676695020427

Synopsis

Product Description
Voices is a compilation of three orchestral works and one solo piece by Derek Bermel. Seductively called his spectral potion, Elixir reflects Bermel s influences as varied as John Lennon, Charles Ives, and the Isley Brothers. Thracian Echoes embraces the soulful harmonies of traditional Bulgarian melodies whereas Dust Dances is a translation of an African gyil music session into orchestral idioms. In Voices, Bermel himself performs the brilliantly written concerto for clarinet with impressive virtuosity. Thanks to the infectious charisma of Gil Rose and his musicians, this recording brings to life the eclecticism and verve that defines the music of Derek Bermel.
 

CD Reviews

A Composer with Eclectic Ears
Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 04/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Derek Bermel is a gifted, highly-awarded classical composer who works as a rock musician steeped in jazz, blues, and world music. This well-recorded album is a showcase of musical talent of both composer and performing orchestra, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. The first work, Dust Dances [1994], based on Bermel's training on the West African xylophone, called a gyil, is full of energy. Its strong rhythmic texture and melodic runs evokes Ghanan village life. Thracian Echoes [2002], the second piece, is influenced by Bulgarian choirs. Bremel describes this as "a juxtaposition of mournful and manic" and the "echoes within phrases" produce a feeling of nostalgia and wistfulness. Elixir [2006] is a brief piece of shimmering, glistening reflections of sound. A cresendo with mounting instrumentation emerge from this mist. The final selection, Voices [1997], is a clarinet concerto, scored under the influence of Eric Dophy's and Charles Mingus' musical interactions. Bermel himself is the perfoming clarinetist here. (He also plays keyboards and percussion on other recordings.)The first movement is an instrumental conversation and oratory of grumbles and moans, like a blend of Meredith Monk and Clark Terry; the second movement is a lyrical folk song with sweet clarinet licks; the final movement is pure fun, with its drum and cymbal blues and funk. This is an extraordinary album that will surprise you and will bear repeated listening with ever new discoveries. I had not heard of Derek Bermel before, but I will definitely look for other compositions of his. Indeed, I would love to have a day-long conversation with him about music. He is a composer for this global 21st century. The SACD CD, playable on regular CD players, as well as surround-sound systems, is worth the expense."
Amazing...
L. Krier | Brooklyn, NY USA | 02/18/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sound quality is great, the artwork is amazing, and the music is eclectic and beautiful. Wonderful job!!!"