Baltimore-born Christopher Rouse is one of the most revered post-modernist composers as well as being one of the most played. His numerous commissions stretch well into the future, but this CD is devoted to works premiered between 1976 and 1990. The two percussion pieces were inspired by Hawaiian and Haitian tribal dances. According to the composer himself, Ku-Ka-Ilimoku might best be regarded as a war dance, while Ogoun Badagris could be considered a “dance of appeasement.” Both are short, striking toccatas that keep the players busy producing primary and secondary rhythmic effects of great urgency. The stringent yet lush concerto for strings is based on Dmitri Shostakovich’s D-S-C-H theme, and is a powerful work that begins in emotional turmoil, courses through anger and agitation, and ends in quiet consolation. Passion Wheels, scored for flute, clarinet, percussion, piano, violin, viola, and cello with the wind players doubling other instruments, is a wrenching portrait of the Crucifixion, told musically in human, and often horrific, terms.
The committed playing on this CD is incredible; Marin Alsop is definitely a conductor to watch. Though she secures first-rate execution from every single player on this CD, the astonishing work of clarinetist Allen Kay in Passion Wheels must be singled out. Though taken from two different sessions, the recorded sound is unified state of the art. The string orchestra in the concerto is recorded right, with plenty of detail and edge defining a warm and full sound. The two percussion pieces might just become demo pieces to play for friends coming over to listen to those new speakers or CD player. Watch out for that ferocious drum at the beginning of Passion Wheels; be sure your fine china, pets, and nerves are secured.
