Edward Cowie's "Rutherford's Lights" is a captivating journey through the scientific wonders of light, translated into a mesmerizing collection of 24 solo piano studies. Released in 2010 under the Métier label, this album is a testament to Cowie's unique ability to blend complex scientific concepts with evocative musical expression. Each track explores a different aspect of light, from simple wave motion to the intricacies of polarization and electromagnetic radiation, offering a sonic exploration of the natural world.
Performed by Richard Casey, the pieces are recorded in the acoustically rich Weston Auditorium at the University of Hertfordshire, capturing the nuanced performances with clarity and depth. The album spans over an hour and twenty-three minutes, providing a substantial and immersive listening experience. Cowie's compositions are not just technical exercises but also deeply expressive, inviting the audience to contemplate the beauty and complexity of light through the medium of music.
"Rutherford's Lights" is a remarkable fusion of art and science, showcasing Edward Cowie's innovative approach to composition. Whether you are a classical music enthusiast or simply curious about the intersection of science and art, this album offers a unique and enriching experience.
2024 Divine Art Ltd2010 UH Recordings Ltd
Tracks
Rutherford's Lights: No. 1, Wave MotionEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 2, Relation of Pitch to ColourEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 3, Compounding of Simple VibrationsEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 4, Measure of the Intensity of LightEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 5, Measure of CurvatureEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 6, Reflection of Any Wave on Any SurfaceEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 7, The Principal of Least TimeEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 8, The Energy EquationEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 9, Minimum Deviation IEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 10, Limit to the Number of FringesEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 11, Multiple ReflectionsEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 12, Rings with a White CentreEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 13, The Colour of SkylightEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 14, Foucault's PrismEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 15, Wollaston's PrismEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 16, Plane PolarisationEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 17, Elliptical PolarisationEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 18, Natural LightEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 19, General Expression for the DeviationEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 20, Minimum Deviation IIEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 21, DispersionEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 22, Radiation of Electromagnetic WavesEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 23, Plane WaveEdward Cowie, Richard Casey
Rutherford's Lights: No. 24, Particular SolutionEdward Cowie, Richard Casey