Corigliano: Phantasmagoria

"Phantasmagoria" by John Corigliano is a captivating exploration of the composer's unique musical language, released in 2000 under the Sony Classical label. This album is a testament to Corigliano's mastery of orchestration and his ability to weave intricate narratives through sound. The centerpiece of the album is the titular suite, "Phantasmagoria," which draws inspiration from his acclaimed opera "The Ghosts of Versailles." This work is a microcosm of the opera's architecture, featuring spectral ghost music and recurring melodic fragments that create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

The album opens with "Fancy on a Bach Air," a piece that showcases Corigliano's ability to blend classical influences with contemporary techniques. The "Etude Fantasy" series, consisting of five etudes, demonstrates the composer's virtuosity and his penchant for exploring complex musical structures. Each etude presents a unique technical challenge, from the use of the left hand alone to the intricate ornamentation in the fifth etude.

"Legato" and "Fifths to Thirds" are standout tracks that highlight Corigliano's skill in creating lyrical melodies and harmonically rich textures. The album concludes with the eponymous "Phantasmagoria," a work that seamlessly integrates themes from "The Ghosts of Versailles" with subliminal references to Rossini and Mozart. This piece is a tour de force of Corigliano's compositional prowess, featuring quick stylistic shifts and a delicate disintegration in the final bars.

Performed by the acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist James Tocco, "Phantasmagoria" is a stunning showcase of Corigliano's orchestral and chamber works. The album's duration of 53 minutes offers a comprehensive overview of the composer's style, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Corigliano's work or a newcomer to his music, "Phantasmagoria" is sure to leave a lasting impression.

John Corigliano, born in 1938, is a celebrated American composer whose extensive body of work spans symphonies, operas, concertos, and film scores. With over 100 compositions to his name, Corigliano has garnered prestigious accolades, including a Pulitzer Prize, five Grammy Awards, a Grawemeyer Award, and an Academy Award. His music is known for its tonal accessibility and expressive depth, drawing from a wide range of influences. Notable works include his Symphony No. 1, inspired by the AIDS epidemic, and the film score for "The Red Violin," which he later adapted into the "Red Violin" Concerto. Corigliano's compositions often pay homage to the past while pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music, making him one of the most celebrated composers of the past few decades. Beyond his composing, Corigliano is also dedicated to education, teaching composition at The Juilliard School.