The presence of such superstars as Lang Lang and the Kronos Quartet on this album may seem surprising until you consider that Howard Shore has penned scores for the highly successful Lord of the Rings films, as well as a host of other films (his association with director David Cronenberg has been a long one) and even an opera based on the film The Fly . He has the clout to call on major guest stars, and in fact, in this program of concert pieces he makes use of their talents. Shore's musical language here certainly ...
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The presence of such superstars as Lang Lang and the Kronos Quartet on this album may seem surprising until you consider that Howard Shore has penned scores for the highly successful Lord of the Rings films, as well as a host of other films (his association with director David Cronenberg has been a long one) and even an opera based on the film The Fly . He has the clout to call on major guest stars, and in fact, in this program of concert pieces he makes use of their talents. Shore's musical language here certainly bears the marks of his cinematic background, but the effect is different from that of film music because the pieces are shaped by a text (or in the case of the "Six Pieces," by an abstract form) rather than by onscreen action. His style is neo-Romantic, inflected in the direction of minimalism, with a characteristic way of stopping on a single chord to explore its sonorities rather than proceeding according to its harmonic implications. You can hear it deployed simply and distinctively in "Catania," written for a wedding in that locale, performed by Lang Lang, and entirely appropriate for future wedding ceremonies. Other highlights are the two choral works, one sung by a non-professional youth choir and the other by a more polished group, but each displaying a real knack for text-setting. "Peace," which sets texts by Eleanor Roosevelt, has an anthemic quality with a punch. The titular work is a song cycle evoking six different weather conditions; despite its thematic unity, it was assembled in steps, and it's not clear how the text, by Shore's wife, and written mostly for an American commission, happens to have been written in German. It is beautifully sung by mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano and accompanied by a small chamber ensemble. Concert music by top film composers is a small but fascinating field, and this entry is welcomed. ~ James Manheim, Rovi
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Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item and case may have light wear. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.
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