Customer Reviews

Anthem

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4 star:		(1)
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Matt Haimovitz's new CD demonstrates that contemporary music is alive,well and filled with purpose and passion. Many listeners who dismiss most new music as too cerebral have a surprise waiting for them in these emotional anthems to America written by our own composers. The irony of Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock rendition of the"Star Spangled Banner"is the starting point for a musical reflection on the current conditions of our nation. The loss of life on 9/11 is beautifully recalled in a few pieces. For an Israeli born musician, the Jewish themes take on an extra poignancy in light of the recent events in Israel. Not since Peter Serkin's contemporary piano commissions has there been such a courageous effort to get this music out to well deserved public acclaim.

I went to Matt's concert here in Minneapolis supporting this CD with a friend, and we both had a delightful time. The concert including some of Matt's more traditional renderings, and both those and his newer music were wonderful. Everyone in the audience had an excellent experience.

I bought the CD, brought it home and played it for my 10-yr-old, who has been playing cello for 4 years. She didn't like it at all. I thought she might be interested in the wide range of sounds and effects that Matt is able to draw from his instrument. But her age outweighed her musical appreciation.

So it's for adults clearly, and that's fine. It's one of the most interesting things I've listed to in a long time. The Hendrix piece inventively moved ahead and was different from the original, yet retained all the power and impact of its predecessor.

The other political pieces were very evocative. This work gives me hope in a way that's hard to describe. It's exciting to hear another's response to what's been happening - the depth and intensity of which speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit.

Matt Haimovitz has published many wonderful CDs, and goes to new dimensions with this eclectic and fascinating contemporary CD. Aimed at a crossover audience, he brings the cello to life for a new generation of music listeners. If you're looking for something fresh, different and interesting, pick up this CD and give it a careful listen.

This is a tough and courageous political statement that artistic passion and freedom is more expressive of American patriotism than the kinds of actions recently taken by our government.

It starts with Matt's own acoustic cello transcription of Jimi Hendrix's "Star Spangled Banner" just as Hendrix played it at Woodstock, and continues with a series of powerful contemporary pieces, several written in direct response to Sept. 11. After you hear this CD all the way through, you will have a new perspective and appreciation for contemporary classical music. The Hendrix piece cuts through the wall between rock and classical music that lately seems to have become impenetrable.

This is not for the conservative listener, but it is some sharp cello playing. Tired on listening to Casals or Yo Yo Ma, then take a chance on hearing what the new generation of cellists is playing.