Wuorinen: Tashi / Percussion Quartet / Fortune

Album Description

Charles Wuorinen's album, Wuorinen: Tashi / Percussion Quartet / Fortune, is a captivating collection of contemporary classical music. Released on 26 June 2007 by Naxos, this avant-garde masterpiece showcases the composer's innovative spirit. The album features three distinct works: "Tashi", "Percussion Quartet", and "Fortune", each with its own unique character and soundscapes.

The album begins with "Tashi", a work written for an ensemble consisting of clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, which was composed for the renowned contemporary music group Tashi, featuring pianist Peter Serkin. This piece is divided into three movements, interspersed with interludes, creating a sense of tension and release.

The "Percussion Quartet" is a thrilling work, written for a quartet consisting entirely of percussion instruments. The two movements, marked by precise tempo indications, showcase the ensemble's technical prowess and Wuorinen's inventive approach to percussion music.

The final work, "Fortune", is a two-part piece, with "Before" and "After" movements, which explores the contrasts between different musical themes and textures. Throughout the album, Wuorinen's music is performed by the Group for Contemporary Music and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, who bring his visionary compositions to life with their exceptional skill and dedication.

With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a significant addition to the contemporary classical music landscape. Charles Wuorinen's Wuorinen: Tashi / Percussion Quartet / Fortune is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde music and those seeking to explore the cutting edge of classical composition.

June 26, 2007

2007 Naxos

About Charles Wuorinen

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.