One of the foremost British ensembles, the Kreutzer specializes in new music and has already made many recordings for Metier and other labels. This superb film is not only the record of brilliant performances of major modern quartets and fine entertainment, it is also a valuable and rewarding tool for observing how the players of an ensemble communicate and interact, especially in works like that of Lutoslawski which allow performers a degree of choice. Above all it is a demonstration that music very often should be seen as well as heard. This disc is universal-play (Region 0) and double sided PAL/NTSC so will play in any country.
Rising at Dawn: Chamber Music with brass by Carson Cooman
Metier
CD
$9.99$19.99Save 50%Sep 24, 2013
This album is devoted to the works of Carson COOMAN, organ scholar at Harvard, and one of the most prolific, inspired and increasingly popular American composers. It contains three short piano solo works and pieces for tuba and piano, trumpet and piano and flugelhorn with harp; the first work is an atmospheric song cycle for soprano with trumpet and piano. These are world premiere recordings.
For most of his life Eric Craven has kept a very low profile, concentrating on his teaching career and quietly developing his 'non-prescriptive' composing method, a sort of aleatory style that allows the performer varying degrees of freedom. His earlier cycle of short pieces, 'SET', was recorded after Craven was persuaded by leading pianists to make his work available. Highly praised, that technique is shown again to great effect in the 'Pieces for Pianists', producing music that is varied, interesting, but perfectly accessible for listener and performer. Volume 1 attracted very positive reviews: "joyous, playful and satisfying music." - New Classics; and we are sure that this second set will find many new fans for this very individual composer.
Mary Dullea is an Irish pianist based in London, who enjoys a very busy career as a soloist and chamber musician and regularly performs and broadcasts in many countries. Her discography is exceptional and demonstrates her support and championing of new music. Her pianism and musicality as well as remarkable virtuosity make her an ideal interpreter. She is also Reader in Music at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Clive Bell is Britain's leading player of the Japanese shakuhachi, and a founder member of Jah Wobble's Deep Space project. DAVID ROSS was drummer for the instrumental combo Kenny Process Team. But none of this would prepare you for Mystery Lights, their first duo recording. This is a spacious, intimate music, full of colour and melody, exploratory but highly accessible. Many instruments, both acoustic and electronic, familiar and unfamiliar, weave a spell hard to resist. This album was made in collaboration with Walter & Donald the budgerigars. Recorded live at "The Earl of Kilgorlin". CD includes a video playable on any PC.
Metier’s top line release for 2015 is this program which may be the first ‘music DVD’ devoted to contemporary percussion works. More than that, it has been produced with stunning graphics and visual enhancements as well as ‘straight’ video of the performances thanks to the work of top Danish movie director Christian Holten Bonke. The program includes the most iconic of modern percussion classics, ‘Psappha’ by Iannis Xenakis, together with his much more recent ‘Rebonds’. Works by Henze, Donatoni and Ferneyhough utilize wide ranges of tuned and unturned instruments, while the pieces by Jodlowski and Globokar use different materials altogether. Even for the non-percussion fan, the film is one to watch again and again. Mathias Reumert is one of Europe’s foremost percussionists, having been awarded the DanishMusic Critics’ Prize for 2015.
This fabulous new album, co-produced with Bavarian Radio, presents top German piccolo virtuoso Natalie Schwaabe in an international program of recent works for ‘the screaming twig’ as the instrument is sometimes known in orchestral circles. No screaming here, though the instrument’s upper stratospheric registers are fully exploited – these works are modern and freely composed but will still be attractive to conservative listeners with elements of traditional tonality and jazz and utilizing the middle and lower ranges of the piccolo which can be ethereal and smooth. The range of pieces is wide, from the somber ‘Lachrymose’ for solo piccolo, to the bright and buzzy sonata by Gyöngyosi, and the new setting of The Pied Piper story by Kanefzky. Natalie Schwaabe was born in Tokyo, grew up in Hong Kong, studied in London and obtained her degree in Munich where she is now based, playing with the prestigious Bavarian Radio Symphony as well as enjoying a busy solo and chamber music career. Her regular partner Jan Philip Schulze is carving out a fine reputation in the new-music field with recordings for several labels, and is sought after to accompany many top vocalists.
Eric Craven: Pieces For Pianists, Vol. 1 / Mary Dullea
Metier
CD
$9.99$19.99Save 50%Feb 12, 2021
For most of his life Eric Craven has kept a very low profile, concentrating on his teaching career and quietly developing his ‘non-prescriptive’ composing method, a sort of aleatory style but which allows the performer varying degrees of freedom. His earlier cycle of short pieces, ‘SET’, was recorded after Craven was persuaded by leading pianists to make his work available. Highly praised, that technique is shown again to great effect in the ‘Pieces for Pianists’, producing music that is varied, interesting, but perfectly accessible for listener and performer. The composer states that his hope is ‘to reward any pianist with even modest ability with immediate success’ while also providing a challenge to more accomplished pianists to explore new territory. The pianist says that this collection ‘will prove endlessly rewarding’. Mary Dullea is an Irish pianist based in London, who enjoys a very busy career as a soloist and chamber musician and regularly performs and broadcasts in many countries. Her discography is exceptional and demonstrates her support and championing of new music. Her pianism and musicality as well as remarkable virtuosity make her an ideal interpreter. She is also Reader in Music at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Edward Cowie is considered by many to be the greatest living composer directly inspired by the Natural World. His post-impressionist works, from the gigantic orchestral Leviathan (his first Proms commission) to his cycles of Bird Portraits and other chamber and instrumental pieces are drawing gasps of admiration from critics and audiences alike. Originally recorded for the University of Hertfordshire’s UHR label, this recording has been restored to the catalogue as part of the quickly-growing Cowie collection on Métier Records. The composer feels strongly that the individual works in the Bach ‘48’ and Debussy’s Préludes(for example) were a series of linked parts creating a greater whole. In his own ‘24’ Cowie has taken that principle but expressed it in his unique way – music that is impressionist, pictorial, descriptive and above all evocative… of place, time, flora and fauna” experiences of both natural and man-made phenomena. The Preludes follow the ‘Bach cycle of keys’ but at the same time are grouped into four books representing the ancient ‘Four Elements’.
Philip Mead studied at the Royal Academy of Music and has had a widely successful career, performing and broadcasting internationally. He had his own series on BBC Radio 3 exploring hidden pathways in piano music. A champion of contemporary composers, he founded the British Contemporary Piano Competition in 1988. He has been awarded honorary doctorates at the London College of Music and the Royal Academy and is a visiting professor of the University of Hertfordshire.
Metier Records proudly presents "Resonating Earth," the latest album by acclaimed pianist Carolyn Enger. Resulting from a multimedia project, developed in collaboration with producer and video artist Elliott Forrest, visual artist Myles Aronowitz, and photographer/activist J. Henry Fair, the work addresses the urgent climate crisis through the transformative power of music and art. Resonating Earth emerged from Enger's profound connection to nature and her dedication to environmental activism. Living in a wooden house outside Manhattan, Enger draws inspiration from the natural vibrations of her seven-foot Steinway piano, her personal yoga and meditation practices, and her profound love for the planet. This album, born from those inspirations, offers a sonic environment conducive to contemplation and openness, featuring a diverse collection of compositions that span multiple generations and schools of thought. The album opens and closes with works by Meredith Monk, whose pieces "Quarry Waltz" and "Ellis Island" frame the program with themes of totalitarianism and the promise of freedom. Interwoven throughout are compositions by Marcos Balter, Nico Muhly, Wolfgang Rihm, Missy Mazzoli, John Cage, John Luther Adams, Philip Glass, Iman Habibi, Caroline Shaw, and Sean Hickey-each bringing unique perspectives and emotional depth to the project. Key highlights include: Marcos Balter's Bagatelle: A piece filled with simple, spare gestures fading into chasms of silence, creating a resonant environment for reflection. Nico Muhly's Lilt: Broadcasting assurance through steady rising fourths and hymn-like melody. John Luther Adams's Nunataks: Inspired by the solitary peaks of glaciers, evoking human isolation and vulnerability in the face of climate change. Iman Habibi's in the brittle quietude: Reflecting on the pandemic's impact and hoping for a more equitable and conscientious future. Resonating Earth not only showcases Enger's lyrical and dynamic playing but also her deep commitment to using art as a means to inspire and provoke thought about our relationship with the planet. Enger's previous recordings have garnered critical acclaim, with The New York Times and Gramophone praising her ability to elevate musical miniatures to profound levels. Enger's extensive performance history includes prestigious venues such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the National Gallery in Oslo. Her multimedia collaborations extend to exhibits at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the Jewish Museum Berlin. Resonating Earth is more than an album; it is a call to action, a reminder of the interconnectedness of art, humanity, and the environment. About Carolyn Enger Pianist Carolyn Enger has gained critical acclaim for her deeply felt interpretations and dynamic performances. Her Naxos recording of Ned Rorem's miniatures was named one of The New York Times' "Best in Classical Recordings," and she continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her passion, skill, and genuine warmth. A Steinway Artist, Enger is dedicated to bringing music to diverse audiences in accessible civic spaces.
Andreyev: In Glow of Like Seclusion / Peyee Chen, Ensemble Proton Bern
Metier
CD
$10.49$20.99Save 50%Dec 01, 2023
Samuel Andreyev’s music is incredibly varied, from the sparse resonance of the Sonata da Camera, the ‘cartoon music’ (as the composer puts it) of Vérifications, characterised by primary colours and strong instrumental timbres; the Sextet in Two Parts which in contrast focuses on minute timbral shadings; and of course the cantata for solo voice and ensemble which is the title track of the album. Performed by ensemble proton bern, conducted by Luigi Gaggero with the magical soprano voice of Peyee Chen on In Glow of Like Seclusion (set to verse by J. H. Prynne) this album was beautifully captured in Zurich in 2022. The CD and digital album is to be followed with a double-LP vinyl version in the New Year.
Samuel Andreyev’s music has been featured in portrait concerts in Bern, Geneva, Toronto, Paris, Kyiv, Strasbourg, Montréal, Tours, and many other cities. Andreyev is a laureat of the Henri Dutilleux Prize (2012, for ‘Night Division’), and the Grand Prix Lycéen des Compositeurs (2020, for ‘Vérifications’). He is also Vice President of the music council of the Fondation Prince Pierre (Monaco). With his YouTube channel and Podcast, Samuel Andreyev presents lectures on musical topics, as well as long-form interviews with prominent musicians as varied as Brian Ferneyhough, every member of Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band, Linda Catlin Smith, Hugues Dufourt, Adam Neely and countless others.
Aylish Kerrigan Sings Kurt Weill / Kerrigan, Valdivia
Metier
CD
$10.49$20.99Save 50%Jul 14, 2023
Get ready to be transported to the bustling streets of Berlin and the bright lights of Broadway with mezzo-soprano Aylish Kerrigan's latest recording. In this invigorating program, Kerrigan takes us on a journey through the timeless songs of Kurt Weill, one of the most renowned composers of the 20th century. From Weill's collaborations with Bertholt Brecht in the German Theatre to his iconic Broadway stage works, this recording has something for everyone. You'll hear classics like "Die Moritat von Mackie Messer" (Mack the Knife) and "Berlin im Licht," which captures the essence of the city as a love song. But that's not all – Kerrigan also brings us gems such as "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" from Weill's longest running musical, One Touch of Venus.
What makes this recording truly special is Aylish Kerrigan herself. Born and raised in San Francisco, Kerrigan is an established interpreter of German Theatre Music, having worked with some of the most noted Brecht specialists in the world. Her one-woman Broadway shows have earned her acclaim in major cities across the globe, from Paris to Dublin, New York to Berlin. Whether you're a die-hard Weill fan or simply appreciate great music, this recording is not to be missed. Critics and music lovers alike are sure to be captivated by Aylish Kerrigan's dynamic and soulful performances.
A musical journey, James W. Iman's latest album, IMAN II, is a stunning blend of Classical and contemporary piano compositions that will leave you spellbound. Four years in the making, this album is the culmination of Iman's passion for Debussy and Donald Martino, as well as his permiere of work from composer and sound designer, Jenny Beck. Iman's masterful interpretations of Martino's Fantasies and Impromptus are nothing short of awe-inspiring, and his renditions of Debussy's works provide the perfect contrast, bringing together the past and present in a way that is both exciting and unique. But it is Beck's electrifying compositions that truly set this album apart.
Iman says, "I have played Stand Still Here more times than any other work in my repertoire. Each of the five pieces that comprise the work are brief–the longest is four minutes–but Jenny Beck achieves a depth of introspection and emotional sweep that is absolutely magnetic.” What makes Beck's work so remarkable is the way she achieves such depth and complexity with seemingly simple motives and harmonies. The pieces on this album hover and linger, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience that is nothing short of miraculous. Iman's passion and dedication to this project are evident in every note he plays. He has crafted a captivating album that showcases his skill as a pianist and his ability to bring together the best of the past and present in a way that is fresh, exciting, and deeply moving.
Considered one of the most influential composers inspired by the natural world, Edward Cowie's collaboration with the exceptional Kreutzer String Quartet spans nearly a decade. This partnership has resulted in the recording of Cowie's first six quartets, as well as remarkable solo and duo works showcasing the quartet's unparalleled skill. Now, Cowie presents his seventh string quartet, "Western Australia," specially crafted for the Kreutzer Quartet, accompanied by four solo portrait pieces dedicated to each member. From the ethereal heights of Clifton Harrison's viola to the intricate melodies inspired by the habits of owls for Neil Heyde's cello, Cowie's compositions reflect a profound reverence for both the human animal and the natural world.
Delving into the heart of Australia's rugged landscape, Cowie's quartet captures the awe-inspiring vastness and ancient beauty of Western Australia. Each movement paints a vivid picture of the region's diverse landscapes, from the expansive horizons of the first movement to the primal origins depicted in the second, culminating in the mysterious allure of the Pinnacles in the final movement. Through his music, Cowie masterfully evokes the ever-changing landscapes and intricate ecosystems of Western Australia, inviting listeners on a transformative journey through time and space.
Additionally, the recording features four solo portraits, each a testament to the unique talents and personalities of the Kreutzer Quartet members. From Neil Heyde's emotive exploration of owls to Mihailo Trandafilovski's evocative interpretation of evolution, Cowie's compositions showcase the quartet's versatility and virtuosity. With each note, Cowie pays homage to his collaborators, celebrating their friendship and artistic prowess while pushing the boundaries of contemporary chamber music. Experience the extraordinary fusion of nature and music in Cowie's latest masterpiece, a testament to the enduring power of creative collaboration and the boundless wonders of the natural world.
The Kreutzer Quartet has established itself as one of the most sought-after string quartets in the UK. They appear regularly at the major London venues and have made many live and studio recordings for the BBC, and major networks all over Europe. They have taken their extremely eclectic programmes to Italy, Germany, France, Holland, Serbia, Montenegro, Sardinia, the US, Spain, Cyprus, Poland, and Lithuania. Recent critical and publicly acclaimed performances have been at the Warsaw Autumn Festival, de Doelen, Rotterdam, Quartet 2000, Manchester International, and the Vilnius Philharmonic Festival.
