Ned Rorem's "Winter Pages/Bright Music" is a captivating journey through the realms of neoclassical and avant-garde music, released on January 1, 1992, under New World Records. This 50-minute album is a testament to Rorem's mastery of composition, blending introspective and evocative pieces that span a wide range of moods and atmospheres.
The album is divided into two distinct suites: "Winter Pages" and "Bright Music." The former is a collection of twelve interconnected pieces that paint a vivid, wintry landscape, each track offering a unique perspective on the season's quiet beauty and introspection. From the reflective "A Mirror" to the whimsical "Stone Snowballs," Rorem's compositions are rich in detail and emotional depth.
In contrast, "Bright Music" is a suite of five lively and dynamic pieces that showcase Rorem's versatility as a composer. Tracks like "Fandango" and "Dance-Song-Dance" are filled with rhythmic energy and vibrant melodies, providing a striking counterpoint to the more contemplative "Winter Pages."
Throughout the album, Rorem's signature style shines through, characterized by its intricate harmonies, lyrical melodies, and a deep sense of musical storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan of neoclassical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Winter Pages/Bright Music" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring appeal of Ned Rorem's compositions.
(C) 1992 Anthology of Recorded Music, Inc.
Tracks
Winter Pages: I. A MirrorNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer, Fred Sherry, Frank Morelli
Winter Pages: II. The sun that brief December dayNed Rorem, Fred Sherry, Frank Morelli, Ida Kavafian, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer
Winter Pages: III. Around the house the flakes fly fasterNed Rorem, Frank Morelli, Fred Sherry, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer, Ida Kavafian
Winter Pages: IV. Paris thenNed Rorem, Frank Morelli, Ida Kavafian, Fred Sherry, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer
Winter Pages: V. Dorchester AvenueNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Fred Sherry, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer, Frank Morelli
Winter Pages: VI. HesitationsNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Frank Morelli, Fred Sherry, Todd Palmer, Charles Wadsworth
Winter Pages: VII. Urged by earnest violinsNed Rorem, Todd Palmer, Charles Wadsworth, Frank Morelli, Fred Sherry, Ida Kavafian
Winter Pages: VIII. Moments fly by like a snowstormNed Rorem, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer, Frank Morelli, Ida Kavafian, Fred Sherry
Winter Pages: IX. Rue des Saints-PèresNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Fred Sherry, Charles Wadsworth, Todd Palmer, Frank Morelli
Winter Pages: X. Valse OubliéeNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Todd Palmer, Fred Sherry, Charles Wadsworth, Frank Morelli
Winter Pages: XI. Stone SnowballsNed Rorem, Charles Wadsworth, Frank Morelli, Fred Sherry, Todd Palmer, Ida Kavafian
Winter Pages: XII. Still LifeNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Fred Sherry, Frank Morelli, Todd Palmer, Charles Wadsworth
Bright Music: I. FandangoNed Rorem, Marya Martin, André-Michel Schub, Fred Sherry, Ani Kavafian, Ida Kavafian
Bright Music: II. PierrotNed Rorem, Fred Sherry, Ida Kavafian, Marya Martin, Ani Kavafian, André-Michel Schub
Bright Music: III. Dance-Song-DanceNed Rorem, Ida Kavafian, Ani Kavafian, Fred Sherry, Marya Martin, André-Michel Schub
Bright Music: IV. Another DreamNed Rorem, Ani Kavafian, André-Michel Schub, Fred Sherry, Marya Martin, Ida Kavafian
Bright Music: V. ChopinNed Rorem, Ani Kavafian, Fred Sherry, Marya Martin, André-Michel Schub, Ida Kavafian
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