Wuorinen: Tashi / Percussion Quartet / Fortune

Album Description

Charles Wuorinen's album, Wuorinen: Tashi / Percussion Quartet / Fortune, is a captivating collection of contemporary classical music. Released on 26 June 2007 by Naxos, this avant-garde masterpiece showcases the composer's innovative spirit. The album features three distinct works: "Tashi", "Percussion Quartet", and "Fortune", each with its own unique character and soundscapes.

The album begins with "Tashi", a work written for an ensemble consisting of clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, which was composed for the renowned contemporary music group Tashi, featuring pianist Peter Serkin. This piece is divided into three movements, interspersed with interludes, creating a sense of tension and release.

The "Percussion Quartet" is a thrilling work, written for a quartet consisting entirely of percussion instruments. The two movements, marked by precise tempo indications, showcase the ensemble's technical prowess and Wuorinen's inventive approach to percussion music.

The final work, "Fortune", is a two-part piece, with "Before" and "After" movements, which explores the contrasts between different musical themes and textures. Throughout the album, Wuorinen's music is performed by the Group for Contemporary Music and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, who bring his visionary compositions to life with their exceptional skill and dedication.

With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a significant addition to the contemporary classical music landscape. Charles Wuorinen's Wuorinen: Tashi / Percussion Quartet / Fortune is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde music and those seeking to explore the cutting edge of classical composition.

26 jun 2007

2007 Naxos

About Charles Wuorinen

Charles Wuorinen, a pivotal figure in American modernist music, was renowned for his innovative approach to serial composition. Born in New York to a family with deep Finnish roots, Wuorinen's musical journey was as rich and complex as his heritage. His father, John H. Wuorinen, was a distinguished historian and professor at Columbia University, while his mother, Alfhild Kalijarvi Wuorinen, also had Finnish ancestry. Wuorinen's contributions to the avant-garde genre spanned a wide range of works, from dramatic cantatas to intricate chamber pieces. His compositions, such as "On Alligators" and "Lepton," showcase his unique voice and technical mastery. Wuorinen's legacy continues to inspire, reflecting his enduring impact on contemporary classical music.