David Del Tredici's "Adventures Underground" is a captivating orchestral journey, released on December 1, 2022, under the Albany Records label. This album, featuring the Albany Symphony Orchestra under the baton of David Alan Miller and the vocal talents of Hila Plitmann, showcases the composer's unique voice and experimental spirit, which has earned him a Pulitzer Prize. The album spans a concise yet impactful 55 minutes, divided into seven tracks that blend the whimsical and the profound.
The album opens with "Pop-Pourri," a five-part suite that weaves together diverse musical elements, from choral settings to dramatic melodramas. The suite includes a setting of Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky," highlighting Del Tredici's penchant for setting unconventional texts to music. The second half of the album, "Adventures Underground," draws inspiration from the fantastical world of Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," with movements titled "The Pool of Tears" and "The Mouse's Tail."
Del Tredici's compositional style is marked by its eclecticism and inventiveness, making "Adventures Underground" a compelling listen for both classical aficionados and those seeking something fresh and unexpected. The album is a testament to Del Tredici's enduring legacy, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 86, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge listeners.
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