Dive into the captivating world of John Harbison's "Chamber Music," a 2006 avant-garde masterpiece that showcases the composer's extraordinary range and versatility. This album, released on Naxos, is a collection of 25 tracks that span a little over an hour, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
Harbison, born in 1938 into a musical family, brings a unique blend of influences to this album. His work is distinguished by its exceptional range, from the blues-influenced settings of Elizabeth Bishop's poetry in "North and South" to the intricate compositions of "6 American Painters" and the serene beauty of "Christmas Vespers." The album also features the mesmerizing "Book of Hours and Seasons," a cycle of songs that explores themes of time, nature, and human experience.
The album is performed by a stellar cast, including the renowned mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, and other talented artists. Their interpretations bring Harbison's compositions to life, highlighting the depth and complexity of his work.
"Chamber Music" is not just an album; it's a journey through the musical landscape of one of America's most innovative composers. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience. So, immerse yourself in the sounds of John Harbison and discover the beauty and power of his music.
(C) 2006 Naxos(P) 2006 Naxos
Tracks
North and South: Book I: No. 1, Ballad for Billie (I)John Harbison, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Chicago Chamber Musicians
North and South: Book I: No. 2, Late AirJohn Harbison, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Chicago Chamber Musicians
North and South: Book I: No. 3, Breakfast SongJohn Harbison, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Chicago Chamber Musicians
North and South: Book II: No. 1, Ballad for Billie (II)John Harbison, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Chicago Chamber Musicians
North and South: Book II: No. 2, SongJohn Harbison, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Chicago Chamber Musicians
North and South: Book II: No. 3, Dear, my compassJohn Harbison, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, Chicago Chamber Musicians
6 American Painters: No. 1, BinghamJohn Harbison, Mathieu Dufour, Joseph Genualdi, Rami Solomonow, Brant Taylor
6 American Painters: No. 2, EakinsJohn Harbison, Mathieu Dufour, Joseph Genualdi, Rami Solomonow, Brant Taylor
6 American Painters: No. 3, HeadeJohn Harbison, Mathieu Dufour, Joseph Genualdi, Rami Solomonow, Brant Taylor
6 American Painters: No. 4, HomerJohn Harbison, Mathieu Dufour, Joseph Genualdi, Rami Solomonow, Brant Taylor
6 American Painters: No. 5, HoffmanJohn Harbison, Mathieu Dufour, Joseph Genualdi, Rami Solomonow, Brant Taylor
6 American Painters: No. 6, DiebenkornJohn Harbison, Mathieu Dufour, Joseph Genualdi, Rami Solomonow, Brant Taylor
Christmas Vespers: I. PreludeJohn Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: II. —John Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: III. —John Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: IV. —John Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: V. —John Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: VI. —John Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: VII. —John Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Christmas Vespers: VIII. PostludeJohn Harbison, Bill Kurtis, Charles Geyer, Barbara Butler, Gail Williams, Michael Mulcahy, Craig Knox
Book of Hours and Seasons: No. 1, Dem aufgehenden Vollmond (to the Rising Full Moon)John Harbison, Emily Lodine, Mathieu Dufour, Brant Taylor, Kuang-Hao Huang
Book of Hours and Seasons: No. 2, Immer und uberall (Always and Everywhere)John Harbison, Emily Lodine, Mathieu Dufour, Brant Taylor, Kuang-Hao Huang
Book of Hours and Seasons: No. 3, Interlude. Jahreszeiten kommen wieder (Interlude. The Seasons Come Again)John Harbison, Emily Lodine, Mathieu Dufour, Brant Taylor, Kuang-Hao Huang
Book of Hours and Seasons: No. 4, Mich angstigt das Verfangliche (the Artful makes me anxious)John Harbison, Emily Lodine, Mathieu Dufour, Brant Taylor, Kuang-Hao Huang
Book of Hours and Seasons: No. 5, Um Mitternacht (At midnight)John Harbison, Emily Lodine, Mathieu Dufour, Brant Taylor, Kuang-Hao Huang
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