le zornographe

lundi 24 juin 2024

Vidéo - Cobra John Zorn 70th Birthday 9/3/23 San Francisco, CA

Hannigan Sings Zorn Volume One

John Zorn: Hannigan Sings Zorn Volume One [#9311]

A remarkable meeting of two musical forces of nature finally available on recording! Barbara Hannigan is one of the most fearless and passionate performers in the classical world, and here she sings a challenging program of Zorn compositions with the virtuoso pianist Stephen Gosling. Featured here is the long-awaited recording of Jumalattaret, a song cycle in praise of nine Finnish Goddesses out of Sami Shamanism, and Split the Lark, Zorn’s tribute to the magical American poet Emily Dickinson. Using a variety of musical techniques and genres, the music moves from lyrical folk-like simplicity to more complex atonal and textural pyrotechnics. Included as a bonus is a rare piece of juvenilia: the charming surrealistic song Nazdar, Poupon, Nazdar. Composed circa 1971, when Zorn was about 17 years old, it is a very early example of Zorn’s multi layered genre smashing. In its brief twominute duration it contains traditional, proportional and graphic notation, and touches upon tonality, atonality, Messiaen birdsong, jazz, cartoon music, lyricism, French recitativo, whispering, vocalise, and vocal noises.

(July 2024)

Brian Marsella Trio, Ballades

John Zorn: Ballades [#9310]
This third CD from the dynamic piano trio of Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, and Ches Smith is a delightful surprise—and one of Zorn’s greatest achievements. Exploring a wide variety of tempi, moods, and feelings the compositions dive deeply into the parameters of melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture, stretching the ballade format to its limits and beyond. The trio, three essential members of Zorn’s inner circle, performs with passion, imagination, virtuosity, and a telepathic improvisational interplay at the very highest level. A stunning collection of modern Ballades performed by three of the greatest young musicians in the Downtown scene. Essential!
(July 2024)

Her Melodious Lay

John Zorn//Julian Lage / Gyan Riley, Her Melodious Lay [#9309]

Julian Lage and Gyan Riley have a magical rapport, a deep mutual respect, and have recorded some of Zorn’s most melodious and intimate compositions. In addition to the many books of music written for their trio with Bill Frisell, they have also worked together as a duo on The Bagatelles (2015), Midsummer Moons (2017), Book Beri’ah (2019), and Quatrain (2023). For this fifth duo CD Zorn turns again to William Shakespeare for inspiration and has composed a varied collection of ballads, dances, lullabies, and fantasies that will delight, stimulate, and inspire. Her Melodious Lay contains nine poetic, through-composed pieces that blend classical, folk, jazz, film music, and more into a strikingly dramatic musical vision. Modern guitar music at its very best!

(June 2024)

samedi 22 juin 2024

The Hermetic Organ, Vol. 13, Biennale Musica Venezia

À paraître en août :

John Zorn, The Hermetic Organ, Vol. 13, Biennale Musica Venezia.
Zorn’s first appearance at the world renowned Venice Biennale was a spectacular one. Invited to perform The Hermetic Organ at the famed 17th century Palazzo Pisano, he was surprised to find two small antique organs opposite one another on the small stage of its intimate concert hall. His performance that day was one of the very best Offices of The Hermetic Organ—a wild, acoustic affair that takes full advantage of the rich reeds, flutes, and horns of these two outstanding instruments. Zorn ran back and forth between them, manipulating the stops with remarkable imagination and agility. There are difference tones and sonic cross talk here that sound absolutely electronic. A spectacular addition to one of Zorn’s very best CD series, now in its thirteenth volume. 1. Satyricon 2. Epistola.

Julian Lage/Gyan Riley/Bill Frisell, Lamentations

À paraître en août :
John Zorn // Julian Lage/Gyan Riley/Bill Frisell, Lamentations.
Zorn’s lush and seductive compositions for the magical trio of Frisell-Lage-Riley are some of his most beautiful 21st century creations, and this seventh CD in their ever-expanding series is their best yet. A dramatic and colorful tribute to the expressive Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, Lamentations contains four extended pieces that unfold like exotic flowers—gorgeous music with a dark philosophical edge. These master musicians—three of the greatest guitarists in the world—work together with a profound symbiosis, forging a unique orchestral sound world unlike any other. Stunningly beautiful music that will make you think, dream, and that will nourish your soul. 1. With Blinding Sight 2. A Clown in the Moon 3. Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night 4. Close of Day.