Lou Harrison - Rapunzel And Other Works

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Music reviews of Rapunzel And Other Works

Music Review: The Best of Polystylism
Rating: 5 Stars

The main work on this CD is Rapunzel, and what a surprise it is! Rapunzel is based on a telling of the fairytale by William Morris, with a dose of psychology thrown in. The tonal language is twelve-note, perhaps even serial at times. And yet, it is never dense or cluttered and it is always lyrical. Harrison, even in this early piece from the 40's, is much more interested in communication than in theory. As a result, Rapunzel is an immediately attractive work, an unusual thing to say for such a twelve note piece.

The other works on this CD are more in Harrison's modal genre. The Air for the Poet is a lovely work, mellifluous and yet moving. Songs from the Forest is one of Harrison's East/West chamber pieces and a very successful blend of western instruments and eastern techniques. And Air in g minor is a lovely, almost Baroque style melody over a continuous drone. It's haunting.

All in all, this is another great Harrison CD on New Albion. This might not be the first CD that I would choose to introduce someone to this magical composer, but for those of us who are already converted, this fills in the gaps of an important time in Harrison's musical development.

Description of Rapunzel And Other Works

Classical CDs

• Music > Styles