The Best of Polystylism
Christopher Forbes | Brooklyn,, NY | 07/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lou Harrison is simply a wonder. His music seems to be able to touch any of his wide musical and philosophical interests and yet remain distinctive, and accessible. This CD, which contains mostly music from the 40s, perhaps more than any other recording that I've heard introduces the listener to the wide range of Harrison's musical world. The main work on this CD is Rapunzel, and what a surprise it is! Rapunzel is based on a telling of the fairytale by William Morris, with a dose of psychology thrown in. The tonal language is twelve-note, perhaps even serial at times. And yet, it is never dense or cluttered and it is always lyrical. Harrison, even in this early piece from the 40's, is much more interested in communication than in theory. As a result, Rapunzel is an immediately attractive work, an unusual thing to say for such a twelve note piece.The other works on this CD are more in Harrison's modal genre. The Air for the Poet is a lovely work, mellifluous and yet moving. Songs from the Forest is one of Harrison's East/West chamber pieces and a very successful blend of western instruments and eastern techniques. And Air in g minor is a lovely, almost Baroque style melody over a continuous drone. It's haunting. All in all, this is another great Harrison CD on New Albion. This might not be the first CD that I would choose to introduce someone to this magical composer, but for those of us who are already converted, this fills in the gaps of an important time in Harrison's musical development."
America's Most Verstile Composer
rhinoceroslodge@pon.net | Northern California | 05/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lou Harrison is America's most versitile composer, plain and simple. He can assimilate any style and make it his own, and more, even forms which are alien to the American Muse he can render intelligible and accessible. He is as at home with a gamelon as he is with a symphony orchestra. This recording goes from the graceful Air for the Poet through the dark serialism of the title opera (on a text by William Morris) to the meditative Songs in the Forest, to the very melodic Air in g minor. It is all amazingly listenable music and because of its variety there is likely to be something for everyone. Well, maybe not: there are too many facets of Harrison's talent for one, or even a dozen, CDs to express. If you don't know his music, however, you ought to give him a try. He is just plain wonderful."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
