Search - Evan Ziporyn, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Gil Rose :: Evan Ziporyn: Frog's Eye

Engaging new music for orchestra

Jeff Abell | Chicago, IL USA | 12/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Evan Ziporyn is gradually building an impressive discography of his strong and subtle compositions. These range from conventional Western ensembles (like the piano trio) to Balinese gamelan with electric guitar. But with the exception of the beautiful Ngaben (a memorial to those killed in the bombing of a nightclub on Bali in 2002), none of Ziporyn's orchestral works has been available until now. The four works on this new Cantatoupe CD are therefore most welcome, and each is further evidence that Ziporyn is one of America's strongest and most original compositional voices. I liked the playfulness of Frog's Eye, and the energy of Drill (a clarinet concerto with the composer as soloist), but War Chant may be the most compelling work here. There are also two songs with orchestra, and if I have any quibble with this CD, it's that Ziporyn treats the voice as another instrumental line...but then, so did Stravinsky and Copland. Another must for everyone interested in new music!"