Dive into the enchanting world of George Crumb's avant-garde compositions with the "Complete Crumb Edition, Vol. 10." Released on February 15, 2007, under Bridge Records, this album is a captivating exploration of Crumb's unique musical vision, blending chamber music with avant-garde elements. Spanning a total of 1 hour and 23 minutes, this collection is divided into two main parts: "American Songbook I (The River of Life)" and "American Songbook III (Unto the Hills)."
The first part, "The River of Life," features a series of deeply moving and spiritually resonant songs, including classics like "Shall We Gather at the River?" and "Amazing Grace!" Crumb's innovative approach to these timeless pieces transforms them into profound musical experiences. The second part, "Unto the Hills," continues this exploration with a mix of traditional folk tunes and original compositions, such as "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" and "Appalachian Epiphany."
George Crumb's philosophy that "Music can be defined as a series of proportions in the service of a divine impulse" is evident throughout this album. His compositions are known for their intricate textures, unusual instrumentation, and deep emotional resonance. This volume showcases Crumb's ability to weave together diverse musical influences into a cohesive and compelling whole.
Performances by Ann Crumb on soprano and an ensemble conducted by James Freeman bring these pieces to life with sensitivity and precision. Whether you're a long-time fan of George Crumb's work or new to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2007 Bridge Records2007 Bridge Records
Tracks
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 1, Shall We Gather at the River?George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 2, Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown?George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 3, Amazing Grace!George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 4, Give Me That Old Time ReligionGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 5, Time Is a Drifting River [A Psalm for Daybreak and Morning]George Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 6, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 7, One More River to CrossGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 8, Nearer, My God to TheeGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 9, Deep RiverGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 1, Poor Wayfaring StrangerGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 2, All the Pretty Little HorsesGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 3, Ten Thousand MilesGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 4, Ev'ry Night When the Sun Goes InGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 5, Appalachian Epiphany [A Psalm for Sunset and Dusk]George Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 6, Down in the Valley, Hush, Little Baby [An Appalachian Lullaby]George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 7, Black, Black, Black Is the ColorGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 8, The RiddleGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 9, Poor Wayfaring Stranger [Echo]George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
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