Charles Wuorinen's 'The Dante Trilogy' is a monumental work, comprising three separate ballets inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. Written between 1993 and 1996, this chamber music version, performed by The Group for Contemporary Music under the direction of Oliver Knussen, showcases Wuorinen's unique compositional style. The trilogy is divided into three distinct parts: 'The Mission of Virgil', 'The Great Procession', and 'The River of Light', each corresponding to the Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, respectively.
This avant-garde masterpiece is a testament to Wuorinen's ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of intellectual and musical sources. The intricate scoring and complex rhythms create a rich and immersive listening experience. With a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, 'The Dante Trilogy' is a significant undertaking, but one that is sure to reward listeners with its depth and complexity.
Released on 27 January 2008 on the Naxos label, 'The Dante Trilogy' is a must-listen for fans of contemporary classical music. Wuorinen's characteristic style shines through in this chamber version, which offers a fresh perspective on his original orchestral work. The album's tracklist takes the listener on a journey through the various stages of Dante's epic poem, with each movement expertly crafted to evoke the emotions and imagery of the original text. With its innovative composition and masterful performance, 'The Dante Trilogy' is a standout work in Wuorinen's oeuvre, and a compelling addition to any classical music collection.
2008 Naxos2008 Naxos
Tracks
The Mission of Virgil: Prelude (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: I. Flight from the Three Beasts (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: II. The Mission of Virgil (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: III. Limbo: They enter Limbo (a) Poets [b] Warriors [c] Philosophers - Leaving Limbo - [Chamber Version]Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: IV. Paolo and Francesca: (a) Arrival [b] the Story [c] Departure [Chamber Version]Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: V. Monsters of the Prime: (a) Geryon [b] Nimrod [c] Antaeus [Chamber Version]Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: VI. Satan (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Mission of Virgil: VII. Journey through the Center (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Richard Moredock, Phyllis Bryn-Julson
The Great Procession: I. The Seven Lights (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: Refrain (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: II. The Elders (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: III. The Chariot (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: Refrain (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: IV. The Griffin (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: Refrain (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: V. The Seven Virtues (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: VI. The Departure (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: Refrain (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The Great Procession: VII. The Unveiling (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Alan R. Kay, Curtis Macomber, Fred Sherry, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Benjamin Ramirez, Oliver Knussen
The River of Light (Chamber Version)Charles Wuorinen, Rachel Rudich, Stephen Taylor, Alan R. Kay, Michael Finn, Curtis Macomber, Paul Neubauer, Fred Sherry, Timothy Cobb, Christopher Oldfather, Phillip Bush, Tom Kolor, Paul Carroll, Benjamin Ramirez, Susan Jolles, Oliver Knussen
Charles Wuorinen was a pioneering figure in contemporary classical music, renowned for his innovative and often challenging compositions. Born in New York City in 1938, Wuorinen's musical journey was deeply influenced by his Finnish-American heritage, with both his father and mother tracing their roots to Finland. His father, John H. Wuorinen, was a notable historian and professor at Columbia University. Wuorinen made a significant mark on the musical world, becoming the youngest composer to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1970 for his electronic work "Time's Encomium." His extensive catalog spans every form and medium, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and works for the stage. Wuorinen was not just a composer but also a passionate advocate for modernist music and the value of the composer's craft. His contributions to the avant-garde genre have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, making him one of the most influential composers of his time.
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Charles Wuorinen
