Reissued from the historic 1980 CBS Masterworks LP. This 2CD set includes original liner notes plus a rare critical essay by composer Lou Harrison [CD sold out, but album is available in digital format, including PDF booklet]. Carl Ruggles (1876–1971) was an innovative American composer who used “dissonant counterpoint” to fashion a body of work both finely crafted and wrought with emotional power. This reissue includes world-renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas with the Buffalo Philharmonic, the original liner notes plus a rare essay on Ruggles by Lou Harrison and historic photos of the composer.
The San Fransisco-based Other Minds label has done American music a great service with this reissue. Dusted Magazine
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No other composer who wrote so little music is as important as Carl Ruggles. Kirkville blog.
Read the complete review.
Disc 1
1. Toys (1919), 1:38
Judith Blegen, Soprano
Michael Tilson Thomas, Piano
Vox Clamans in Deserto (1923)
for Chamber Orchestra and Mezzo-soprano
2. I — Parting at Morning 1:14
3. II — Son of Mine 1:34
4. III — A Clear Midnight 3:22
Beverly Morgan, Mezzo-soprano
Speculum Musicae
5. Men and Angels (1924), 2:17
Buffalo Philharmonic
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
6. Angels (1921, Original Trumpet Version), 2:54
Brass Ensemble, Gerard Schwarz, Leader
Men and Mountains (1924)
7. I — Men 2:42
8. II — Lilacs 2:57
9. III — Marching Mountains 4:30
Buffalo Philharmonic
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
10. Angels (1940, Trumpet/Trombone Version), 3:16
Brass Ensemble, Gerard Schwarz, Leader
11. Sun-Treader (1926-31), 16:22
Buffalo Philharmonic
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
Disc 2
1. Portals for String Orchestra (1925), 6:39
Buffalo Philharmonic
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
Evocations (1934-43, Original Piano Version)
2. I — Largo 1:54
3. II — Andante Con Fantasia 2:50
4. III — Moderato Appassionato 1:39
5. IV — Adagio Sostenuto 2:58
John Kirkpatrick, piano
Evocations (revised 1956, Orchestral Version)
6. I — Largo 2:29
7. II — Andante Con Fantasia 3:40
8. III — Moderato Appassionato 1:41
9. IV — Adagio Sostenuto 3:52
Buffalo Philharmonic
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
10. Organum (1946), 6:17
Buffalo Philharmonic
Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductor
11. Exaltation (1958)
for Brass, Chorus and Organ, 7:22
Brass Ensemble, Gerard Schwarz, Leader
Gregg Smith Singers, Gregg Smith, Director
Leonard Raver, Organ
All tracks except Toys and Evocations (Piano Version) conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas