Dancing in Place |
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| Elizabeth asks, "Did you know there are some people who do not like the harp?" Well, having been one of them, because for so long the harp repertoire seemed limited to insiduous romantics and sweeping arpeggios, I now stand back with fresh ears and anticipation as one by one, Elizabeth introduces some of the most substantial and refreshing new repertoire that the harp has received in a long time. And this is an accomplishment in itself. Having invited Kitty Brazelton, Wendy Chambers, Gustavo Matamoros, Richard Einhorn, and others to participated in new commissioned harp pieces, utilizing structures and improvisation, new accoustic techniques and electronics, the result is outstanding. I especially loved the piece "Re: Elizabeth" by Gustavo Matomoros where Elizabeth plays on 2 tracks some very constrasting voices. The opening of Kitty Brazelton's "Down n Harpn All a Rond o" really captivates me although there is a share of some of those "tasteless glissandos". The piece has an exotic rhythm and form, with the expectant intensity of a "hunt", exploring and waiting. "New Pages" by Richard Einhorn was a beautiful mesmerismic rhythmic vamp that more or less transported me to the realm of daydreaming and magic, a state of imagining, "Moments" by Wendy Chambers had a similar effect with its mesmerismic repeated phrases evoking mystery and mood, folksy, enchanted, and wonderful in a more traditional ilk, although containing a few startling cadences. All in all, I believe Panzer has through these commissions, coaxed out some of best harp music of the millenium. Dancing in Place is truth of the title. -LaDonna Smith
O.O. Discs
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