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I mention the link to allow my readers to access the program stream so as to be able to hear the work (obviously) but also because Maestro Curran has been at the forefront of adopting social media as both a medium for access and distribution for his compositions but also as a part of the the work (at least in the Mc Luhan-esque sense, “the medium is the message”).
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Curran’s composition, a tribute to the dramatist/costume designer/stage director, is presented in streaming format via Deutschlandradio. Who? and Who? American composer Alvin Curran (1938- ) returns to his roots…well, some of his roots, in this streaming composition, a tribute to German dramaturge Achim Freyer (1934- ). This is a fine sampling of music which is roughly representative of the musical riches producer James Ginsburg has mined from the “city beautiful”.Īchim Freyer (Photo from German Wikipedia) The usual audiophile production (Bill Maylone, engineer) which characterizes Cedille releases is evident here. Garrop was on the composition faculty of Roosevelt University in Chicago from 2000 to 2016 and is now a freelance composer. Garrop’s work is invariably kinetic and deeply felt with a dramatic flair.
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The 2016 recording of her wonderful orchestral work was reviewed in these pages. The album concludes with a substantial two movement work (just over 23 minutes), “Sanctuary” by Stacy Garrop (1969- ) is the work of another prolific composer whose work is, happily, getting much deserved recognition. The brevity here belies the complexities within this ear catching piece. Clocking in at just under three minutes, “Fanfare 80” (2010) was written in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Music Institute of Chicago. Mischa Zupko (1971- ) contributes the briefest work to this collection. Ran was professor of music at the University of Chicago from 1973 to her retirement in 2015. It is a pleasant piece perhaps less complex and more lyrical in sound than some of her larger works. The composer states in her liner notes that the origins of this work come from her opera “Dybbuk”. She was a student of the esteemed Ralph Shapey (1921-2002) to whom she dedicated her Pulitzer Prize winning Symphony (1990). “Soliloquy” (2003) by the truly fine, if still too little known, Shulamit Ran (1949- ), an Israeli born American composer. Her work also tends toward the tonal idiom and this rather brief two movement work is a fine example of her writing for chamber ensemble. She is currently professor of music at the University of Chicago and a former professor at Northwestern University. Thomas has long been a fixture in Chicago’s music life where she was a composer in residence with the Chicago Symphony from 1997-2006. This work was a commission by the Children’s Memorial Foundation for the Amelia Piano Trio in honor of George D. Next is a two movement work by Augusta Read Thomas (1964- ) entitled, “…a circle around the sun” (2021). I expect to hear much more from this talented and prolific composer who currently holds a professorship at Wheaton College in that western suburb of Chicago. This is the work of a rapidly emerging composer with both substance and style. But regardless of how you categorize it the music is eminently listener friendly and a fine vehicle for the estimable Lincoln Trio. Opkebholo’s idiom is basically tonal and could be characterized as post romantic. The three movements, aqua, prairie, and burnham are effectively homages to architects Jeanne Gang (whose Aqua Tower is a most recent major addition to the famous skyline), Frank Lloyd Wright (whose Robie House is a classic example of the “prairie school” design), and Daniel Burnham (whose 19th century designs define the famously beautiful lakefront and the iconic Union Station). “city beautiful” by contrast is essentially three tone poems inspired by Chicago architecture, perhaps one of the city’s finest distinctions. His fine album of spiritual arrangements Steal Away (2016), and his contributions to Will Liverman’s album, “ Dreams of a New Day” (2021) revealed his interest in and expertise with spirituals and art song. The title is taken from that of the 19th century initiative that helped build the now familiar skyline which had been ravaged by the 1871 Chicago Fire. Okpebholo (1981- ), a world premiere recording. The first selection is the three movement, “city beautiful” (2021) by the American composer of Nigerian/American Heritage, Shawn E. That said it is a fine sampling of the current state of the art and one would do well to explore more of the music of all these composers. The five works presented here are but a sampling of the available repertoire from Chicago based composers.