La Rondinella - Songs of the Sephardim - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Steve Reich is universally acknowledged as one of the foremost exponents of minimalism, arguably the most significant stylistic trend in late 20th-century music. This chronological survey shows how Reich's innate curiosity has taken his work far beyond such musical boundaries. One of the first fruits of Reich's creative quest is 'Music for Two of More Pianos,' in which the influence of Morton Feldman and jazz pianist Bill Evans can be heard. The rhythmic and flamboyant 'Eight Lines' comes from the true heyday of minimalism, while 'Vermont' and 'New York Counterpoint' both explore webs of phased patterns created by multi-tracked instruments. 'City Life' is a dramatic set of impressions of New York, vividly weaving sampled speech and street sounds into a work with symphonic depth of range and expression.

This album features three works by distinguished composer Alec Roth, each setting poetry on themes of nature and human reflection. A Road Less Travelled is a cantata for tenor and guitar using poems by Edward Thomas, written before his death in 1917. The Garden Path is a cycle for mezzo-soprano and string quartet setting poems by Amy Lowell, many inspired by her garden. Other Earths and Skies sets Vikram Seth's translations of LI Bai's poems for tenor and oboe. Performers include Mark Padmore, Morgan Szymanski, Martha McLorinan, the Sacconi Quartet, Hugo Hymas, and Nicholas Daniel.

Thermate is a fuzz rock band conceived in Kuopio during 2012. Comprised of singer Arthur Thure, guitarists Mikko heavy metal/rock and the 90's stoner rock. Hypnotizing in it's trucking rhythms and enchanting with it's solos and guitar colors. The vocals stand tall, powerful, clean and evocative. Highly recommended to fans of GRAVEYARD and LONELY KAMEL.