Bob Brookmeyer: Music for String Quartet and Orchestra

by Brookmeyer,Bob & Metropole Orchestra

Overview

Bob Brookmeyer has long been an important jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger, recording many of his own albums, in addition to working with Gerry Mulligan, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, and many others. But he also began writing for classical ensembles during the '80s, so when he was approached about a commission to write for the Gustav Klimt String Quartet, he jumped at the chance. After some initial recording, he decided to write an additional work and the Metropole Orchestra was added to the project, necessitating the re-recording of everything, with Brookmeyer conducting. Anyone who has heard Brookmeyer's compelling work New Works Celebration (which was written for Mulligan to perform with a large orchestra) will recognize the composer's style immediately. The opening track, "Fanfares and Folk Song," is a furious, exuberant number showcasing the full orchestra, then ending with just the string quartet and an unidentified pianist. The somber "American Beauty" initially sounds like a requiem, with its mournful feature for cello, though it blossoms into a tender tone poem. The complex yet joyous "A Frolic and a Tune" is full of surprising twists, while the tense "Wood Dance" provides a dramatic closing. Arguments may ensue among listeners as how to label this enticing music, but Duke Ellington's favorite description of works he enjoyed hearing as "beyond category" is more than sufficient. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	05/12/2009
Label:	Challenge Jazz / Challenge Records
UPC:	0608917013627
Rank:	221705

Tracks

1. Music for string quartet & orchestra~1. Fanfares and Folk Song
2. Music for string quartet & orchestra~2. American Beauty
3. Music for string quartet & orchestra~3. A Frolic and a Tune
4. Music for string quartet & orchestra~4. Wood Dance

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bob Brookmeyer   Primary Artist,Conductor
Metropole Orkest   Orchestra
Gustav Klimt String Quartet   String Quartet

Technical Credits

Gert de Bruijn   Recording
Cyrille Carreon   Production Coordination
Fritz Bayens   Producer
Bob Brookmeyer   Composer,Liner Notes
Marcel van den Broek   Design
Chris Weeda   Mastering
Frits Bayens   Producer
Hein van de Geyn   A&R,Photography