Gregg Smith's "Delicious Numbers," released on October 1, 2016, under Albany Records, is a captivating exploration of the composer's works for voice and instruments. This album is a tribute to the life and legacy of Gregg Smith, an incomparable choral conductor and composer. The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the intricate "Peter Quince at the Clavier" to the evocative "Fallen Angels" suite, showcasing Smith's versatility and depth as a composer.
The album opens with "Peter Quince at the Clavier," a four-movement work that demonstrates Smith's ability to blend poetic imagery with musical expression. The "Double Sonata for Violin, Voice, and Piano" follows, offering a rich interplay between the instruments and voice, with movements ranging from the serene "Andante" to the passionate "Allegro."
The centerpiece of the album is the "Fallen Angels" suite, a multi-movement work that explores a variety of moods and themes. From the introspective "Perspective" to the lively "A Taste of City Summer," each piece offers a unique glimpse into Smith's creative vision. The suite culminates in the powerful "Song of Songs," a testament to Smith's ability to evoke deep emotion through music.
Throughout the album, Gregg Smith's compositions are brought to life by the talented performers, including Eileen Clark, whose vocals add a haunting beauty to the pieces. The album's duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes provides a substantial journey through Smith's musical landscape, making it a rewarding listen for both new and longtime fans of his work.
(C) 2016 Albany Records(P) 2016 Albany Records
Tracks
Peter Quince at the Clavier: I. Lento-FreelyGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt
Peter Quince at the Clavier: II. AndanteGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt
Peter Quince at the Clavier: III. Allegro Moderato-MarchlikeGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt
Peter Quince at the Clavier: IV. Lento-RecitativeGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt
Double Sonata for Violin, Voice, and Piano: I. AndanteGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Ari Streisfeld
Double Sonata for Violin, Voice, and Piano: II. AdagioGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Ari Streisfeld
Double Sonata for Violin, Voice, and Piano: III. Allegretto con agitatoGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Ari Streisfeld
Double Sonata for Violin, Voice, and Piano: IV. AllegroGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Ari Streisfeld
Double Sonata for Violin, Voice, and Piano: V. AmorosoGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Ari Streisfeld
Fallen Angels: I. PerspectiveGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: II. Don't Have timeGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: III. Artistic TemperaGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: IV. RevenantGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: V. Natural HistoryGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: VI. A Taste of City SummerGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: VII. InterludeGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: VIII. VerdancyGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: IX. New York Cabbie's MeditationGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt
Fallen Angels: X. Some BuildGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn
Fallen Angels: XI. Song of SongsGregg Smith, Eileen Clark, Thomas Schmidt, Evan Ziporyn