Indiana Collectanea
Navona, 2020
8/10
A record that documents Michael G. Cunningham’s residency at Indiana University School of Music from 1969-1973, the sound quality and delivery is top notch on this live recording, as Cunningham’s work sounds quite modern and highly innovative.
“Prisms (Four Movements)” gets the listen started with violin, viola and cello interacting in dynamic and exciting ways, and “Polyphonies” follows with a busy display of adventurous percussion amid playful xylophone in a brief but exciting venture.
In the middle, “Phases (2 Movements)” pairs bass clarinet with harp in a chilling fashion, while “Statements (2 Movements)” uses trombone and piano strategically as they contrast both elegant and ominous landscapes.
Back half highlights include the flute prowess and busy clarinet acrobatics of “Triple Sonata (4 Movements)”, and the horn filled “Terzett”, which is one of the album’s best tracks. “Noetical Rounds” ends the listen with marimba, oboe, bass and violin working together in charming ways, as Cunningham and company exit just as strong as they started.
A listen that shifts in tone, mood and texture from each track, there’s plenty of welcomed surprises here, as the many players present a flawless display of rhythmic, sophisticated and sometimes even dramatic gems.
Travels well with: Kirk O’Riordan- Autumn Winds; Joseph Summer- The Shakespeare Concerts Series 7: Summer’s Distillation