Immerse yourself in the ethereal soundscapes of John Luther Adams' "Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing," a masterful exploration of minimalism and avant-garde composition. Released in 1997 under New World Records, this album is a contemplative journey through the nuances of the tempered scale, reminiscent of a modern-day "Well-Tempered Clavier" for a chamber orchestra.
The album, composed for conductor JoAnn Falletta and the Apollo Chamber Orchestra, is a tribute to Adams' father and artist Jasper Johns. Inspired by the 14th-century mystical text "The Cloud of Unknowing," the music transcends religious boundaries, echoing contemplative traditions from various cultures.
"Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing" is a 61-minute exploration of sound, divided into 19 tracks that delve into the intricacies of musical intervals and harmonies. From the subtle "minor seconds, rising" to the resonant "Major sevenths, rising," each track is a testament to Adams' ability to create music of "fierce beauty and spiritual depth," as noted by critics.
The album has been praised for its contemplative nature, with critics drawing parallels to the works of Morton Feldman. It's a quiet, reflective piece that invites listeners to pause and engage in extraordinary listening. Whether you're a fan of minimalism, avant-garde, or simply appreciate profound musical experiences, this album is a captivating addition to your collection.
(C) 1997 Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc.
Tracks
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: minor seconds, risingJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of mixed SecondsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Major Seconds, risingJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of Seconds and thirdsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: diminished bellsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of mixed ThirdsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Forgotten TriadsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Lost ChoralesJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of Perfect FourthsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Turbulent ChangesJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of Perfect FifthsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Chorales returnJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Triads, rememberedJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of mixed SixthsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: ...and bells, againJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Clouds of Sixths and seventhsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: minor sevenths, risingJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: clouds of mixed SeventhsJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Clouds of Forgetting, Clouds of Unknowing: Major Sevenths, risingJohn Luther Adams, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, Joann Falletta
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