Best In Sleep; Not the best Triple Duo
Karl Henzy | 07/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This version of Triple Duo, which may well be the wildest and best work for small mixed chamber ensemble of our time, is not as good as the version by the Thomas Demenga led ensemble on ECM. It's too nervous and thin. The Demenga version has fuller sound and really glories in the freedom and drive of Carter's music.On the other hand, this seems to me a better version of In Sleep, In Thunder than the one by Speculum Musicae. Oliver Knussen gets an extremely vivid and dynamic performance out of the London Sinfonietta. And while the tenor's voice here does not necessarily have a better sound quality than that of Speculum Musicae's singer, it is more dramatic. I recommend this disc to those who care about Carter's vocal music. If you prefer instrumental music, however, and you want the best, go to the Demenga version on ECM."