Chords At Night: The Rare Piano Works of Otto Luening

Marc Peloquin (Artist), Otto Luening (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Otto Luening
• Audio CD (February 1, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Composers Recordings (CRI)
• ASIN: B00005A0GZ
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290,378 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! A modern music interpreter I can love!, February 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Chords At Night: The Rare Piano Works of Otto Luening (Audio CD)

I have to say right off the bat that I don't particularly like the works of most 20th century American composers. Despite a childhood spent in a very music-centric household (my dad's a composer and conductor), "modern music" has always eluded me somehow. I don't thrill to Del Tredice; I don't resonate to Corigliano; and John Adams leaves me cold. I am, however, always willing to give things a listen. So when a modern music-loving friend of mine brought his latest discovery over, I gamely sat down in front of the stereo and prepared myself for the usual -- an esoteric bunch of not particularly melodic tunes played by someone who relates to them as national treasures, rather than as music.

What a surprise. From the first Prelude, I was completely hooked. And it wasn't just because the music is so evocative (although many of these pieces, I think, could fairly hold their own against more popular works by Gershwin et al.). My delight and amazement were due mostly to Marc Peloquin's sensitive yet straightforward portrayal of these rarely-performed pieces. I think Peloquin could single-handedly convert me to a modern music lover -- he performs these pieces utterly without pretense and as though he were an intimate friend of the composer with a very clear understanding of the composer's intent. (Read the liner notes and you'll discover that this is pretty close to the truth.) I found myself laughing out loud at points and almost weeping at others -- just the kind of reaction I have when listening to my favourite operas or symphonies. I loved almost every piece, particularly Song Without Words. (And although they at first seem difficult, stick with Sonority Forms I, II and III -- by the time Peloquin finishes the cycle, you'll be glad you did.) What else can I say? A super collection of pieces performed by someone with chops who MEANS it, and has something to say. Try this if, like me, you're "modern music-handicapped" but have an open mind. If you already love the work of America's more esoteric composers, run, don't walk, to this CD. There's a great experience in store for everyone here.

Thanks, Marc Peloquin, for broadening my musical experience. Because of you, I'm going to give 20th-century composers another try. My one complaint: You don't seem to have any other CD's out. . . .

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Luening Landscape, March 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Chords At Night: The Rare Piano Works of Otto Luening (Audio CD)

This disc of piano rarities by 20th century composer Otto Luening repays careful listening. While not inaccessible, some pieces are more difficult, but many are lyrical and poetic, often with a quality of mystery. In Marc Peloquin's hands, they are beautifully played and persuasively presented. This CD, clearly a labor of love, is an artistic adventure for those seeking music that is truly different.