"The Chicago Chamber Musicians play everything beautifully . . .
This is a splendidly produced program of wonderful music by a composer
who is at last getting some of the attention that he has long
deserved." (American Record Guide)
David Diamond's symphonies have found their way into numerous record
collections. Now, Cedille Records has produced the only CD devoted to
his chamber music, including world premiere recordings of three works.
"I have heard many first-rate performances in my long life," Diamond
told Cedille president James Ginsburg. "But never have I heard the
first-rate become remarkable, even extraordinary in the kind of
perfection The Chicago Chamber Musicians have achieved. Add to their
virtuosity and sensitive musicianship the superlative engineering and
you have a composer's dream come true. This CD has made my 80th year a
very special one."
According to Ginsburg, who produced the recording, "Listeners will
discover music that's as energetic, lucid, and meticulously crafted as
the composer's symphonies."
The varied program unfolds like a well-planned concert, with Diamond's
modernist-influenced works interspersed with his neo-Romantic ones, and
earlier works alternating with later pieces.
The energetic, neoclassical, tonally centered Quintet in B minor for
Flute, String Trio and Piano (1937), appearing on CD for the first
time, is followed by the world-premiere recording of the Concert Piece
for Horn and String Trio (1978). With elements of atonality and
dissonance but still basically lyrical, the Concert Piece is a complete
contrast in sonority, mood, and atmosphere.
In the vivacious, contrapuntal Partita for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano
(1935), which helped launch the young composer's career, Diamond
retains a traditional form but fills it with contemporary themes,
harmonies, and rhythms -- as did Stravinsky and Schoenberg.
The world premiere recording of the seamlessly flowing yet
imaginatively varied Chaconne for Violin and Piano (1948) is followed
by the premiere of Diamond's Woodwind Quintet (1958), a work reflecting
the composer's exposure to Schoenberg's 12-tone serial technique, as
refracted through Diamond's uniquely faceted musical personality. It
starts with serial procedure but transcends formula, winding up with
instruments exchanging fragments that coalesce into lively melodic
exchanges as they move toward a witty conclusion.
"Mr. Diamond provided us with many insights concerning the Wind
Quintet's composition, including his consultations with Schoenberg
regarding serial technique as it relates in some ways to this amazing
work," says CCM oboist Michael Henoch.
CCM consulted with Diamond throughout the project. "He critiqued many
of our taped concert performances of these works before we actually
recorded them for Cedille," Henoch says. "His advice was invaluable to
us." Concert audiences find the Diamond works engaging and enjoyable,
Henoch observes. "The typical reaction is, 'Why haven't we heard this
before?' CCM has long prided itself on the diversity of its
programming. "That each of these compositions has a different
instrumentation plays to the strengths of the ensemble's considerable
resources," Henoch adds.
Founded in 1986, CCM set out to become an internationally recognized
Chicago institution dedicated to the study and performance of chamber
music. Ten years later, CCM continues to win critical and popular
accolades. In the words of the Chicago Tribune's John von Rhein, "Even
in a city well supplied with superior chamber ensembles, the Chicago
Chamber Musicians are something special. The group . . . combines a
dedication to the highest ideals of chamber music performance with a
real flair for putting together zestful compelling programs. They make
us glad to be sharing their music with them."
To purchase the CD or download this performance, click here.
Cedille Records is the recording label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, a publicly-supported, not-for-profit, organization devoted to promoting the finest musicians, ensembles, and composers in the Chicago area by producing and releasing their efforts on audiophile-quality recordings. The recordings and their promotion are designed to stimulate interest in these performers and composers and bring their artistry to a wider audience. Cedille Records is also dedicated to promoting interest in neglected areas of the classical repertory by presenting masterpieces that have been overlooked by other recording companies.
Classical Music | Ensemble Music
David Diamond
Quintet in B minor for Flute, String Trio and Piano Play
Recorded on 03/16/1995, uploaded on 04/02/2009
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
"The Chicago Chamber Musicians play everything beautifully . . . This is a splendidly produced program of wonderful music by a composer who is at last getting some of the attention that he has long deserved." (American Record Guide)
David Diamond's symphonies have found their way into numerous record collections. Now, Cedille Records has produced the only CD devoted to his chamber music, including world premiere recordings of three works.
"I have heard many first-rate performances in my long life," Diamond told Cedille president James Ginsburg. "But never have I heard the first-rate become remarkable, even extraordinary in the kind of perfection The Chicago Chamber Musicians have achieved. Add to their virtuosity and sensitive musicianship the superlative engineering and you have a composer's dream come true. This CD has made my 80th year a very special one."
According to Ginsburg, who produced the recording, "Listeners will discover music that's as energetic, lucid, and meticulously crafted as the composer's symphonies."
The varied program unfolds like a well-planned concert, with Diamond's modernist-influenced works interspersed with his neo-Romantic ones, and earlier works alternating with later pieces.
The energetic, neoclassical, tonally centered Quintet in B minor for Flute, String Trio and Piano (1937), appearing on CD for the first time, is followed by the world-premiere recording of the Concert Piece for Horn and String Trio (1978). With elements of atonality and dissonance but still basically lyrical, the Concert Piece is a complete contrast in sonority, mood, and atmosphere.
In the vivacious, contrapuntal Partita for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano (1935), which helped launch the young composer's career, Diamond retains a traditional form but fills it with contemporary themes, harmonies, and rhythms -- as did Stravinsky and Schoenberg.
The world premiere recording of the seamlessly flowing yet imaginatively varied Chaconne for Violin and Piano (1948) is followed by the premiere of Diamond's Woodwind Quintet (1958), a work reflecting the composer's exposure to Schoenberg's 12-tone serial technique, as refracted through Diamond's uniquely faceted musical personality. It starts with serial procedure but transcends formula, winding up with instruments exchanging fragments that coalesce into lively melodic exchanges as they move toward a witty conclusion.
"Mr. Diamond provided us with many insights concerning the Wind Quintet's composition, including his consultations with Schoenberg regarding serial technique as it relates in some ways to this amazing work," says CCM oboist Michael Henoch.
CCM consulted with Diamond throughout the project. "He critiqued many of our taped concert performances of these works before we actually recorded them for Cedille," Henoch says. "His advice was invaluable to us." Concert audiences find the Diamond works engaging and enjoyable, Henoch observes. "The typical reaction is, 'Why haven't we heard this before?' CCM has long prided itself on the diversity of its programming. "That each of these compositions has a different instrumentation plays to the strengths of the ensemble's considerable resources," Henoch adds.
Founded in 1986, CCM set out to become an internationally recognized Chicago institution dedicated to the study and performance of chamber music. Ten years later, CCM continues to win critical and popular accolades. In the words of the Chicago Tribune's John von Rhein, "Even in a city well supplied with superior chamber ensembles, the Chicago Chamber Musicians are something special. The group . . . combines a dedication to the highest ideals of chamber music performance with a real flair for putting together zestful compelling programs. They make us glad to be sharing their music with them."
More music by David Diamond
Rounds for String Orchestra
Performances by same musician(s)
Quatre Chansons de Ronsard
Suite d'apres Corrette
La Diva de l'Empire (arr. Easley Blackwood)
Trio
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
To purchase the CD or download this performance, click here.
Cedille Records is the recording label of The Chicago Classical Recording Foundation, a publicly-supported, not-for-profit, organization devoted to promoting the finest musicians, ensembles, and composers in the Chicago area by producing and releasing their efforts on audiophile-quality recordings. The recordings and their promotion are designed to stimulate interest in these performers and composers and bring their artistry to a wider audience. Cedille Records is also dedicated to promoting interest in neglected areas of the classical repertory by presenting masterpieces that have been overlooked by other recording companies.