John Luther Adams: songbirdsongs

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Avoiding strict imitation, the results, in the suite "songbirdsongs", are delicate creations in which chirping flutes or cooing ocarinas are studded with tinkling celesta and xylophone; while... — The Independent, 16th June 2012, 3 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 18th Jun 2012
Catalogue No: MOD-CD-240
Label: Mode
Length: 45 minutes

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Adams, J L: songbirdsongs

Work length38:39

$10.00

$13.00

Callithumpian Consort
Stephen Drury

I. Wood Thrush

Track length4:35

$1.00

$1.30

II. Morningfieldsong

Track length3:54

$1.00

$1.30

III. Meadowdance

Track length3:46

$1.00

$1.30

IV. August Voices

Track length4:34

$1.00

$1.30

V. Mourning Dove

Track length5:50

$1.00

$1.30

VI. Apple Blossom Round

Track length1:55

$1.00

$1.30

VII. Notquitespringdawn

Track length3:43

$1.00

$1.30

VIII. Joyful Noise

Track length3:20

$1.00

$1.30

IX. Evensong

Track length7:02

$2.00

$2.60

Adams, J L: Strange Birds Passing

Work length6:42

$1.00

$1.30

New England Conservatory Contemporary Ensemble
John Heiss

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About

Songbirdsongs is among John Luther Adams’ seminal works. This is the first time the cycle appears on CD.

Although music has been written involving the sounds of birds for centuries, no composer has ever approached the concept in this way. Based on Adams’ observations and studies of actual bird songs, he scored them for various ensembles of piccolos, ocarinas, flutes and percussion.

Rather than having a fixed score, each piece consists of a collection of unordered phrases for each instrument. To create a performance, the musicians interpret their parts according to the instructions found in the score’s notes, maps, and parts — instructions that are carefully derived from each bird’s singing behavior. Adams not only represents birdsongs accurately but also allows performers to piece them together with the unique patterns and spontaneity of the birds interacting with one another in nature.

Each movement of songbirdsongs features specific birds collected together by their region and shared habitat. The result is a work of natural beauty, vivid colours and atmosphere.

Liner notes with musical illustrations by David Shimoni and John Luther Adams.

Reviews

16th June 2012

Avoiding strict imitation, the results, in the suite "songbirdsongs", are delicate creations in which chirping flutes or cooing ocarinas are studded with tinkling celesta and xylophone; while "Strange Birds Passing", with its overlapping woodwinds, is more obviously a form of chamber music.

John Luther Adams: songbirdsongs

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