Thirty years later, George Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children is still a startling work. Like many of his compositions from this period, the music centers on the poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca, here excerpted prudently by Crumb to create a virtual song cycle about life, death, and the quest to reacquire the "ancient soul of a child." Mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani, whose voice ranges from supernatural bird caws to haunting lyricism (and from a whisper to a scream, literally), is the lance with which Crumb shatters our armor ...
Read More
Thirty years later, George Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children is still a startling work. Like many of his compositions from this period, the music centers on the poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca, here excerpted prudently by Crumb to create a virtual song cycle about life, death, and the quest to reacquire the "ancient soul of a child." Mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani, whose voice ranges from supernatural bird caws to haunting lyricism (and from a whisper to a scream, literally), is the lance with which Crumb shatters our armor of expectations. Applying exotic percussive sounds -- here strident, there dreamlike -- like daubs of paint around his subject, the composer holds listeners spellbound in DeGaetani's mad siren's song. The treatment of the text is so radical from section to section that the work's short span (under a half-hour) is almost a necessity to keep all of the events in memory. The opening "El Nino Busca Su Voz" is rendered phonetically (think Yoko Ono with classical training, or better yet don't think about it), creating a world of fantastical perspectives. "Me He Perdido Muchas Veces Por el Mar" is whispered; "De Donde Vienes, Amor, Mi Nino?" is magical dialogue between woman and child; and "Todas las Tardes en Granada..." is luminescent. At the close, which recalls the opening theme, there is a sense of surrender and completion that simply trails off; nothing is left to be said. George Crumb's resourceful instrumentation -- tuning one set of mandolin strings a quarter-tone low, threading paper between a harp's strings, playing piano strings with a chisel -- coupled with his revelatory vision of the voice as an instrument, creates a work here that sparkles with invention. Not only does the music communicate the story, it is the story. At first alien, then primitive, then human, this is the ancient voice of children: not the creation of a new voice, but the liberation of musical potentials long forgotten. Ancient Voices of Children remains a must-have for serious students of the contemporary classical movement. Although the vinyl pressings are more than adequate, a 1987 CD that combines this and Makrokosmos, Vol. 3: Music for a Summer Evening is probably the version to own, as some of the passages are very quiet. ~ Dave Connolly, Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Poor. Used-Acceptable, withdrawn library disc(s) with liner notes. Disc(s) should play great without any playback issues. Disc(s) & liner notes may contain typical library markings like stickers, protective label covers, & writing. Discs may be repackaged in library style casing. Back artwork & any other promo material not included.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Case, booklet, and artwork will show moderate cosmetic wear. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. audioCD. Case Good. Disc slightly scratched. Writing on case. Case cracked/scuffed. Quality guaranteed! In original artwork/packaging unless otherwise noted.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
