The University of Texas Wind Ensemble - Circus Maximus / Gazebo Dances - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The Circus Maximus of ancient Rome was a real place. The largest arena in the world, it entertained over 300,000 spectators daily for nearly a thousand years. Chariot races, hunts and battles satisfied the Roman public’s need for grander and wilder amusement as the Empire declined. The parallels between the high decadence of Rome and our present time are obvious. Entertainment dominates our culture, and ever-more-extreme ‘reality’ shows dominate our entertainment. Many of us have become as bemused by the violence and humiliation that flood the 500-plus channels of our television screens as those mobs of imperial Rome who considered the devouring of human beings by starving lions just another Sunday show. The shape of Circus Maximus was built both to embody and comment on this massive and glamorous barbarity.

Reference Recordings is proud to present this album of superb performances by The University of Texas Wind Ensemble, conducted by Artistic Director Jerry Junkin. Four outstanding contemporary composers are represented on this album. The title piece by ADAM SCHOENBERG Migration- Symphony No. 2 for Wind Ensemble, is the World Premiere recording of this important new work. The album contains two additional World Premieres The Eyes of the World Are Upon You by JENNIFER JOLLEY, and Intrada 1631 (after Juan Pérez Bocanegra) by STEPHEN MONTAGUE. Lastly, we are honored to include the premiere of a new wind ensemble transcription of JOHN CORIGLIANO's Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble, with clarinet soloist Jonathan Gunn.

Ransom and producer Nicholas Craven reunite for the fourth installment of their Directors Cut series.Directors Cut 4 spans 10 tracks featuring InchThey LiveInch, InchManchurian CanidateInch, InchDark WatersInch, and more. KXNG Crooked guests on InchEnemy Of The StateInch, Nick Grant makes a cameo on InchAcross 100 StreetInch, and Talib Kweli is featured on InchMinority ReportInch. Other guests include Che Nori, Autumn Nichols, Raina Simone, Black Chakra, and King Shadrock