George Crumb: Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening

Dive into the captivating world of avant-garde chamber music with George Crumb's "Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening." Released on April 22, 2022, under the B Records label, this album is a mesmerizing journey through Crumb's unique musical landscapes. The album features two of Crumb's most renowned works: "Black Angels" and "Makrokosmos III: Music for a Summer Evening."

"Black Angels," composed in 1970, is a hauntingly beautiful string quartet that explores themes of darkness and light, war and peace. The piece is divided into five movements, each evoking vivid imagery and deep emotional resonance. The Quatuor Hanson, along with Philippe Hattat on piano and Theo Fouchenneret on percussion, delivers a spellbinding performance that brings Crumb's vision to life.

The second half of the album is dedicated to "Makrokosmos III: Music for a Summer Evening," a solo piano work that showcases Crumb's innovative approach to composition. The five movements of this piece evoke the sounds and sensations of a summer evening, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Emmanuel Jacquet's masterful piano playing brings out the full richness and complexity of Crumb's score.

Throughout the album, Crumb's signature style shines through, blending elements of modernism, minimalism, and spectralism to create a sound that is both otherworldly and deeply human. The performances by the Quatuor Hanson and the accompanying musicians are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the full range of emotions and textures in Crumb's music.

With a total runtime of just over an hour, "Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening" is a powerful and immersive listening experience that showcases the best of George Crumb's avant-garde chamber music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Crumb's work or a newcomer to the world of avant-garde music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.