The world-wise maverick Peter Garland.
The American composer Peter Garland (65) is a true maverick. Ever since the 70s Garland has been working on an impressive oeuvre in which minimalism, native American/Indian traditions, world music and an intens lyricism flow together. He is an incorrigible globetrotter and music explorer, who creates a satisfying oasis of serenity and restrained ecstasy in his compositions. In this episode of Feature we will play some key works from Peter Garland’s oeuvre, including the recent extraordinarily beautiful piano solo ‘The Birthday Party’.
Playlist:
Peter Garland:
1. ‘Two Persian Miniatures deel I’ (1971) for piano solo, from the album ‘The Days Run Away’. Aki Takahashi (piano). Tzadik TZ 7053 CD
– 2-3. ‘Dreaming of Immortality in a Thatched Cottage’ (1977) for three vocalists and ensemble, from the album ‘Another Sunrise’. Essential Music + Aki Takahashi (harpsichord), Karen Burlingame (soprano), Marion Najarian (mezzo-soprano) + James Javore (baritone). Mode Records Mode 110 CD
– 4-8. ‘Three Pieces for Percussion’ (consisting of succesively ‘The Three Strange Angels’; ‘Three Songs of Mad Coyote’ and ‘Obstacles of Sleep’ 1972-1973) from the album ‘Border Music’ What Next recordings WN0008 CD
– 9-14. ‘Another Sunrise’ (1995) for two pianos and four percussionists, from the album ‘Another Sunrise’. Slagwerkers Essential Music + Aki Takahashi and Judith Gordon (piano’s). Mode Records Mode 110 CD
– 15-20. ‘String Quartet No. 1: ‘In Praise of Poor Scholars’ (1986), from the album ‘Peter Garland String Quartets’ Apartment House. Cold Blue Records CB0031
– 21-24. ‘The Birthday Party’ (2014) for piano solo, from the album ‘Peter Garland. The Birthday Party’. Aki Takahashi (piano). New World Records 80788-2 CD
Produced by:
