Two Studies On Ancient Greek Scales: 1. Olympos' Pentatonic - 2. Archytas' Enharmonic
Long-Ge
Totem Ancestor
Kyrie II
Brudmarsch fra Osta
Using The Apostate Tyrant As His Tool
Synchrony No.2
Quodlibet
Viderunt Omnes
Kyrie III
Four Part Fantasia No. 2
O Virtus Sapientie
Uleg-Khem
Farwell My Good I. Forever
Collected Songs Where Every Verse Is Filled With Grief
Requiem Mass: Bells: Tolling Of The Knell
Don't get too comfortable with this disc's opening minutes, which sound convincingly like a well-tuned consort of viols performing two short pieces by Machaut and Tye. These two works from the 14th and 16th centuries qui... more »ckly give way to a piece from 1997 by David Lamb. Then come Arvo Part, Harry Partch, John Cage, and even Moondog, a.k.a. Louis Hardin. Additional instruments come and go- -harmonium, bagpipe, zhong ruan, nyckelharpa, drum--all of which complement and enhance the string sounds. Later, we hear music by Hildegard von Bingen, Perotin, and even Purcell. Most of the selections from early composers are arrangements by the Kronos Quartet and others, but it's a tribute to the recording's producers that in spite of the music's diversity, everything works together to make a coherent, cohesive, intellectually, and musically challenging program. --David Vernier« less
Don't get too comfortable with this disc's opening minutes, which sound convincingly like a well-tuned consort of viols performing two short pieces by Machaut and Tye. These two works from the 14th and 16th centuries quickly give way to a piece from 1997 by David Lamb. Then come Arvo Part, Harry Partch, John Cage, and even Moondog, a.k.a. Louis Hardin. Additional instruments come and go- -harmonium, bagpipe, zhong ruan, nyckelharpa, drum--all of which complement and enhance the string sounds. Later, we hear music by Hildegard von Bingen, Perotin, and even Purcell. Most of the selections from early composers are arrangements by the Kronos Quartet and others, but it's a tribute to the recording's producers that in spite of the music's diversity, everything works together to make a coherent, cohesive, intellectually, and musically challenging program. --David Vernier
"Yes, there is "old" music on this disc. But works in olden style by John Cage, Arvo Part, et al are also present. Quite a challenging program on the listener - but rewarding as well. I am particularly found of Kronos' setting of Alfred Shnittke's "Collected Songs Where Every Verse is Filled With Grief". Very eclectic recording performed with usual finesse of the Kronos Quartet - and some guests."
A good one
dkfan82 | 12/02/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Who can say, as of now, how much of the music the KQ plays will fall, deservedly or not, by the wayside and how much of it will continue for the ages? At any rate, this CD is rewarding. I like the mix of quirky pieces with the staid, even if the title "Early Music" is misleading (since few original instruments are utilized in this record). Fine work; highly recommended."
A pretty so-so effort, better luck next time?
dkfan82 | 11/26/1998
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Really this is a two star album, but I gave it three here because I would feel like a wretch slamming this record. After all, Kronos is a tremendous quartet and have done more to unstuff and save classical music than anyone else. How else would I have ever heard about Schnittke or Moondog? But genuine care for artists requires an honest appraisal of each work on its own and I found this to be pretty lifeless and not nearly as cathartic as Kronos fans expect. The absolute career low point comes with an awful rendering of Harry Partch that betrays the composer's aesthetic. There are good reasons to have this CD however, and many of the pieces will serve as pleasing interludes when CD changers are put on random play. All things considered, I won't be selling this one, but I wouldn't buy it again."
One of their best
Redgecko | USA | 04/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like simple, string quartet music as much as I do, then you've got to listen to this. It is a generous 68 minutes of plaintive music--no discontinuities and surpises like on their Black Angels recording. It is all slow and mournful.
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Perfect !
dkfan82 | 11/23/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some critics say that medievel music is boring and depressive. They also say contemporary music is boring and unlistenable. Well, at least with this one they're wrong !This CD is very unusual and intersting. Unusual because the Kronos Quartet has managed to put works by Christopher Tye (highly recommended) and John Cage on one CD. Believe it or not but it works !And it's interesting because on this vital mix some composers sound rather conservative (Cage's "Quodlibet"), while others (Peroin) get a refreshingly new and innovative sound.Unfortunetly the booklet contains no info on how and why the likes of David Harrington et al came up with the idea of recording this hybrid mix but on the other hand it would probably destroy the magic of this record.This CD will open new and exciting worlds for those who are willing to take the ride. At least it hasn't left my CD player for quite a while... The Kronos Quartet has really deserved the Grammy they got for this one. I can only hope that they're going to record more medievel music in the future but that's probably just wishful thinking....."