George Crumb: Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening

Dive into the enigmatic and hauntingly beautiful world of George Crumb with his album "Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening." Released on April 22, 2022, under the B Records label, this collection of avant-garde and chamber music pieces is a testament to Crumb's mastery of creating atmospheric and deeply evocative soundscapes.

The album is a journey through two of Crumb's most celebrated works: "Black Angels" and "Makrokosmos III: Music for a Summer Evening." "Black Angels," subtitled "Thirteen Images from the Dark Land," is a 13-movement piece that blends ritualistic elements with supernatural harmonies and incredible percussion. It's a piece that explores the darker aspects of human experience, filled with mystical incantations and otherworldly sounds.

Complementing this is "Makrokosmos III: Music for a Summer Evening," a five-movement work that offers a stark contrast to the darkness of "Black Angels." This piece is more introspective and serene, evoking the tranquility and beauty of a summer night.

Performed by the talented Quatuor Hanson, along with Emmanuel Jacquet on percussion, Etienne Demoulin on computers, and Philippe Hattat on piano, the album is a mesmerizing blend of traditional and electronic elements. The performances are nuanced and powerful, bringing out the full depth and complexity of Crumb's compositions.

With a total runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute, this album is a substantial and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of George Crumb or new to his work, "Black Angels & Music for a Summer Evening" is a captivating exploration of the boundaries of chamber music and avant-garde composition.