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Saturday, January 29, 2005
John Adams - Shaker Loops
The Wound-Dresser, Short Ride in a Fast Machine and Berceuse Elegiaque
Bournemouth Symphony
Marin Alsop, Conductor
Naxos

height=Ever wonder if, in say 100 years or so, there will be 30 recorded versions of the most popular pieces of this age, like, for example, there are at least that many versions of Beethoven's symphonies around today. If that remains the pattern then John Adams' Shaker Loops will be one of those much recorded pieces. It is one of the most popular contemporary music pieces and a cornerstone work of one of the definable movements of the late 20th. century, minimalism. Its elegance is in its gentleness and precision of action.

This latest, first-rate version on Naxos, comes to us from the baton of Marin Alsop, one of the very few women conductors in top level orchestras of the world. She and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra bring fresh ideas to this reading and recording of Shaker Loops and three other works by Adams.

From the beginning of Shaker Loops you know that things are going to be different in the hands of Ms. Alsop. The entrance of the orchestra crescendos from a murmur, ever so slowly upward, like a forest or a city coming to life. The terseness of the strings creates a palpable tension and the layering of more outspoken voices over the undercurrent is a dramatic effect; alluring and captivating. As contrasted with the benchmark St. Luke's Orchestra version with Adams himself conducting, here Ms. Alsop creates the effect of undulating currents almost throughout the piece, layered with dynamic effect of line, from loud to soft and soft to loud, even in the microcosm of the dynamic attack of single notes. The middle section undulates, becoming almost an ethereal cloud. Murmuring, it is not exactly clear, but an aural transport nonetheless. All and all it's an interesting take on this seminal work, one that merits several careful listenings and thought.

Short ride is clear and concise, angular and urban. A NYC taxi ride. The Wound Dresser and Berceuse are welcome additions rounding it off. An excellent offering at a bargain price.

posted by Duane Harper Grant 11:15 AM


 


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