Crystal Psalms

Album Description

"Crystal Psalms," released in 1994 on New Albion Records, is a profound and evocative work by the renowned composer Alvin Curran. This avant-garde masterpiece is a poignant homage to Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass, and was initially performed by seven European radio stations, showcasing a grand ensemble of seven choruses, four trombones, four cellos, four violas, and a rich array of other instruments. The album is structured in two contiguous sections, the first of which is dominated by a symphony of percussion, setting the stage for the second, more contemplative half.

Curran, born in 1938, brings his unique perspective to this composition, blending elements of free jazz, experimental, and minimalist genres to create a soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful. The album's two long tracks, totaling 53 minutes, offer a deep dive into Curran's innovative approach to composition, making "Crystal Psalms" a standout piece in his discography. Whether you're a fan of avant-garde music or simply appreciate thought-provoking compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

January 1, 1994

1994, New Albion Records, Inc.

About Alvin Curran

Alvin Curran, born in Providence, Rhode Island, is a pioneering American composer and sound artist who has been a seminal figure in experimental music since the late 1960s. Known for his innovative use of electronics and environmental found sounds, Curran's work spans a wide range of genres, including avant-garde, free jazz, and minimalism. He co-founded the influential group Musica Elettronica Viva with Frederic Rzewski and Richard Teitelbaum, and his compositions often blend lyricism with chaos, structure with indeterminacy. Curran's extensive career includes creating sound installations, solo performances, and music for various ensembles. He has taught at prestigious institutions such as Mills College and the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica in Rome, where he currently resides and continues to inspire with his eclectic and adventurous approach to music.