Ives, C.: Varied Air

Dive into the avant-garde genius of Charles Ives with "Varied Air," a captivating collection of his most innovative and thought-provoking compositions. Released on April 1, 2013, this album is a testament to Ives' unique musical vision, blending classical structures with experimental techniques that push the boundaries of traditional piano music.

Spanning over two hours, "Varied Air" features a diverse array of works, from the intricate and evocative "Concord Sonata" to the playful and whimsical "Set of 5 Take-offs." The album includes iconic pieces such as the "Piano Sonata No. 2" and "Piano Sonata No. 1," showcasing Ives' mastery of form and his ability to weave complex narratives through sound. Alongside these monumental works, the album also presents shorter, equally compelling pieces like "Waltz-Rondo" and a series of insightful studies and take-offs that highlight Ives' experimental spirit.

Charles Ives, often hailed as one of America's most original composers, challenges listeners with his unconventional harmonies and rhythmic complexities. "Varied Air" is a journey through Ives' musical landscape, where each note and chord progression tells a story of innovation and artistic daring. Whether you're a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the genius of Charles Ives.

Charles Ives, born in Danbury, Connecticut in 1874, is celebrated as one of America's most innovative and original composers. A pioneer of experimental music, Ives' compositions often incorporated polytonality, polyrhythm, and tone clusters, techniques that were far ahead of their time and anticipated many musical innovations of the 20th century. Despite his groundbreaking work, Ives' music was largely overlooked during his early career, and many of his pieces went unperformed for years. It was only later in life that his genius was recognized, thanks to the efforts of contemporaries like Henry Cowell and Lou Harrison. Ives' unique style blended elements of American popular music, church music traditions, and European art music, creating a sound that was distinctly his own. By day, Ives was a successful actuary and businessman, but by night, he composed some of the most influential and experimental music of his era. His legacy as a trailblazer in American music is undeniable, and his compositions continue to inspire and challenge musicians and audiences alike.