HAROLD SCHIFFMAN, STEVEN STRUNK, MARILYN ZIFFRIN, MAX LIFCHITZ, ROBERT MARTIN
Performer:
Max Lifchitz, Conductor, North/South Chamber Orchestra
$18.99
Track List
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The resourcefulness and creativity displayed by the five compositions featured on
this album will immediately impress and delight the listener. Appearing on
record for the first time, these works attest to the skill and vitality evinced in
America's contemporary music scene. Similarly, the expertly recorded performances
brandish the dazzling virtuosity of the New York City based musicians who perform
under the auspices of North/South Consonance.
A post-modernist outlook connects the five distinctive compositions. Schiffman's
attractive contrapuntal writing employs rustic melodies instilled with an
Appalachian flavor. Strunk's experience as a jazz pianist underscores his use of the
electric bass as well as his penchant for abstract, jazz-derived gestures. Ziffrin's
straightforward lyrical simplicity is both moving and disarming. While my composition
could easily be considered an intensely personal response to the violence
inherent in conflict, Martin based his expansive work on a war-inspired painting by
Arshile Gorky, the American from Armenia whose life was deeply affected by
tragedy. Prior to their being recorded, all the compositions were introduced to the
New York public as part of North/South Consonance's concert series at Christ and
St Stephen's Church on Manhattan's West Side.
The heartbreaking news concerning the sudden passing of Steven Strunk reached
me as work on this recording project was almost concluded. We met in 1967 while
studying at The Juilliard School. I sincerely hope this album will commemorate his
vast musical achievements while keeping his music alive.
As with all the recordings on the North/South label, great care was taken to preserve
the integrity of the concert hall ambiance when this album was recorded and
mastered. Indeed, the listener will find that the natural resonance of the concert hall
and the music's wide dynamic range were captured successfully. Please use a moderate
volume setting when playing this disc.
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