Crumb: Idyll for the Misbegotten/Vox Balaenae/Madrigals

Dive into the avant-garde world of George Crumb with this captivating 1987 release, a compilation of three distinct yet harmoniously intertwined works. The album opens with "An Idyll for the Misbegotten," a hauntingly beautiful piece performed by Zizi Mueller on flute and a trio of percussionists, Gordon Gottlieb, Benjamin Herman, and Stephen Paysen. This is followed by the ethereal "Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale)," a composition that employs innovative techniques such as harmonics and singing in the flute part, creating an otherworldly soundscape. The album concludes with "Madrigals, Books I-IV," a collection of vocal works that showcase Crumb's unique compositional style, originally recorded in 1969.

Each track on this album is a testament to Crumb's mastery of chamber music and his ability to push the boundaries of conventional musical forms. The album's duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes offers a substantial journey through Crumb's sonic landscape, recorded by New World Records. Despite the slight 'woolly' quality of the 1969 recording of "Madrigals," the album is a treasure trove for fans of avant-garde music and those eager to explore the innovative works of George Crumb. The unworldly sound of "Vox Balaenae" and the intricate vocal arrangements of "Madrigals" are sure to captivate and intrigue listeners, making this a compelling addition to any music collection.