Schoenberg / Mellnas / Schnebel / Cage / Ziegler - New Music in Church - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Writing in an idiom characterized by it's immediate accessibility, Boyd Prof. Of Composition at LSU Dinos a, recipient of many grants, commissions and awards, has had his music performed throughout the world, with his orchestral music in particular receiving rave reviews. This latest Centaur of music by Mr. Constantinides once again puts the focus on orchestral work, with particular emphasis on productions featuring spotlighted soloists in concerted forms. All but one of the works also features the composer in the role of conductor, making these recordings de facto definitive.

The viola occupies a special place in the psyche of musicians and composers. It is an instrument of mystery, soulfulness and even of protest and revolt. Rafaell Altino, principal viola of the Odense Symphony Orchestra, presents this exploration of his instrument's power and possibilities as realized by six leading Danish composers. Some explore the viola as a tool for sound production while others relish what it's distinctive also singing voice does to melodies. The results are as touching and warm as they are fearsome and defiant. All works on this are commissioned by and dedicated to Altino by Danish composers, including Grawemeyer Award winner Bent Sorensen. Liner notes have been provided by Andrew Mellor, journalist and critic with a particular interest in the culture and music of Denmark and the Nordic countries.

Mauricio Kagel is a conductor, writer, teacher and self-taught composer, initially influenced by avant-garde figures such as Boulez and Stockhausen. During the 1980s, however, his musical language became more conventional.