Category Archives: Modern Composition
Judd Greenstein/yMusic ~ Together
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since composer Judd Greenstein last worked with the sextet yMusic. And yet, Together was meant for an earlier debut. COVID changed not only the timing of the release, but the nature of the work. The rewritten version
Judd Greenstein/yMusic ~ Together
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since composer Judd Greenstein last worked with the sextet yMusic. And yet, Together was meant for an earlier debut. COVID changed not only the timing of the release, but the nature of the work. The rewritten version
Virago ~ Listening for Bells
Listening for Bells is a bright, exuberant release, a rush of spring air in the midst of winter. This is the first studio release from Michigan quartet Virago, expanding to a sextet for this performance. The core of alto sax, violin, cello
Virago ~ Listening for Bells
Listening for Bells is a bright, exuberant release, a rush of spring air in the midst of winter. This is the first studio release from Michigan quartet Virago, expanding to a sextet for this performance. The core of alto sax, violin, cello
Sven Helbig ~ Skills
What does it take to master a skill? Sven Helbig‘s album is a loving tribute to generations of artisans, engravers, doctors, debaters, and of course musicians, kindly including new skills such as skateboarding and programming. Ironically, Helbig, a skilled drummer
Sven Helbig ~ Skills
What does it take to master a skill? Sven Helbig‘s album is a loving tribute to generations of artisans, engravers, doctors, debaters, and of course musicians, kindly including new skills such as skateboarding and programming. Ironically, Helbig, a skilled drummer
Jean-Michel Blais ~ aubades
One of the season’s loveliest albums was borne out of heartbreak. An aubade is “a morning love song about lovers separating at dawn.” Composer Jean-Michel Blais used the end of a relationship to reaffirm his commitment to life. Known primarily for his piano work,
Jean-Michel Blais ~ aubades
One of the season’s loveliest albums was borne out of heartbreak. An aubade is “a morning love song about lovers separating at dawn.” Composer Jean-Michel Blais used the end of a relationship to reaffirm his commitment to life. Known primarily for his piano work,
Vilhelm Bromander ~ aurora
There are times when we check an album’s genre tags on Bandcamp to be sure we are in the right area. Does the artist consider their work drone or ambient, for example? It’s a useful pointer if we are feeling
Vilhelm Bromander ~ aurora
There are times when we check an album’s genre tags on Bandcamp to be sure we are in the right area. Does the artist consider their work drone or ambient, for example? It’s a useful pointer if we are feeling
2022 Winter Music Preview ~ Modern Composition
If 2021 was The Year of Modern Composition, what might 2022 have in store? Beside blazing fires, with pens and port, composers are penning new emotional notes. The seeds for many an inspiration are planted in the cold winter months.
2022 Winter Music Preview ~ Modern Composition
If 2021 was The Year of Modern Composition, what might 2022 have in store? Beside blazing fires, with pens and port, composers are penning new emotional notes. The seeds for many an inspiration are planted in the cold winter months.
ACL 2021 ~ Top Ten Modern Composition
This year, we reviewed more modern composition albums than those in any other genre ~ not because more were submitted, but because their overall quality was so high. We read this trend early in our Spring Music Preview, and it
ACL 2021 ~ Top Ten Modern Composition
This year, we reviewed more modern composition albums than those in any other genre ~ not because more were submitted, but because their overall quality was so high. We read this trend early in our Spring Music Preview, and it
Various Artists ~ Winter Tales
When are we ready for Christmas music? Not in September, when the first Christmas albums start to appear; and certainly not before Halloween, when this set was first slated for release. But by now, it’s safe to say we’re ready
Various Artists ~ Winter Tales
When are we ready for Christmas music? Not in September, when the first Christmas albums start to appear; and certainly not before Halloween, when this set was first slated for release. But by now, it’s safe to say we’re ready
a closer listen 