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
Read the complete review.
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
