Uri Caine's "The Classical Variations" is a captivating exploration of classical themes reimagined through the lens of jazz, released on October 26, 2007, under the Winter & Winter label. This ambitious and idiosyncratic album spans a diverse range of genres, including free jazz, jazz, and Philly soul, showcasing Caine's unique ability to blend musical traditions.
The album features a rich tapestry of compositions, including variations on works by Beethoven, Bach, and Schubert, as well as selections from operas by Wagner and Verdi. Caine's ensemble, featuring notable musicians like David Gilmore and Mark Ledford, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. The album's 20 tracks, ranging from intimate piano solos to full ensemble pieces, offer a journey through classical and jazz landscapes, each track revealing new layers of musical storytelling.
"The Classical Variations" is a testament to Uri Caine's eclectic influences and his ability to bridge the gap between classical and jazz traditions. Whether you're a fan of classical music, jazz, or both, this album offers a fresh and innovative perspective that is sure to captivate and inspire. With a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, it's an album that demands repeated listening, each time revealing new nuances and depths.
2007 Winter & Winter2007 Winter & Winter
Tracks
Only Love Beauty - After Liebst Du Um Schönheit, RückertliederGustav Mahler, Barbara Walker, Wolfgang Kläsener, Kettwiger Bach-Ensemble
Diabelli Variation XXXIILudwig van Beethoven, Concerto Köln
Diabelli Variation XXXIIILudwig van Beethoven, Concerto Köln
Variation 10 for Fortepiano and Viola da Gamba Quartet - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Uri Caine, Vittorio Ghielmi, Rodney Prada, Paolo Biordi, Cristiano Contadin
Dichterliebe: Hör' Ich Das Liedchen Klingen/When I Hear the SongRobert Schumann, Uri Caine, David Gilmore, Mark Ledford, Shulamith Wechter Caine
Dichterliebe: Die Rose, Die Lilie, Die Taube/ The Rose, the Lily, the DoveRobert Schumann, Uri Caine, Mark Ledford, David Moss
Dichterliebe: Am Leuchtenden Sommermorgen / This Glowing Summer MorningRobert Schumann, Uri Caine, David Gilmore, Mark Ledford, Julie Patton
The Midnight Variation - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Ralph Alessi, Greg Osby, Josh Roseman, James Genus, Ralph Peterson, Uri Caine
The Brass and Drums Variation - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Ralph Alessi, Don Byron, Bob Stewart, Ralph Peterson, Josh Roseman
Tristan Und Isolde: PreludeRichard Wagner, Uri Caine Ensemble
The Scratch Variation - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, DJ Logic
The Fats Variation - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Uri Caine
Variation for Lute and Clarinet - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Don Byron, Michael Freimuth
Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection": Urlicht/Primal LightGustav Mahler, Uri Caine, Dave Binney, Don Byron, Mark Feldman, Michael Formanek, Josh Roseman
Variation 27 for Lute and Flute - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Cordula Breuer, Michael Freimuth
Desdemona's Lament - After OtelloGiuseppe Verdi, Josefine Lindstrand, Chris Speed, Jim Black, Uri Caine
The Organ Variation - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, DJ Logic
Variation 22 for Fortepiano and Viola da Gamba Quartet - After Goldberg VariationsJohann Sebastian Bach, Uri Caine
Turkish Rondo from Piano Sonata (K.331) in A MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Uri Caine, Joyce Hammann, Chris Speed, Ralph Alessi, Nguyên Lê, Drew Gress, Jim Black, DJ Olive
Symphony No. 5, AdagiettoGustav Mahler, Ralph Alessi, David Binney, Jim Black, Uri Caine, Mark Feldman, Michael Formanek, DJ Olive
Uri Caine is a renowned American pianist and composer hailing from Philadelphia, born on June 8, 1956. With a career spanning both classical and jazz genres, Caine is celebrated for his eclectic approach and deep musical influences. He began his musical journey at a young age, studying piano with Bernard Peiffer and composition with George Rochberg. Caine has released 22 albums as a leader, with his most recent being the jazz trio album "Siren," featuring John Hebert on bass and Ben Perowsky on drums. His work often reflects his Jewish heritage and classical training, creating a unique and captivating sound. Caine's performances are not just concerts but immersive experiences that blend various disciplines and influences, making him a standout figure in the world of jazz and classical music.
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Uri Caine
