8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
transcending "-isms", July 30, 2001
This review is from: Paul Dresher: Casa Vecchia (Audio CD)
The word "postminimalist" gets thrown about frequently when Paul Dresher's name is mentioned. Though certainly inspired by Reich, Glass, Riley, et al, Dresher's music consistently transcends the neat little boxes that critics and scholars alike use to tie music to one historically-based tradition or another. This collection of four works provides an excellent introduction to Dresher's vibrant and versatile musical world. Though frequently relying on electronics in combination with acoustic instruments, his music never falls into the "gee whiz, look what this machine can do" trap that has caught so many other composers. I find the two completely electronic works, "Underground" and "Water Dreams," to be particularly beautiful soundscapes. His theater works, though markedly different in style from the pieces on this disc, are also highly recommended for anyone seeking a respite from bland, cookie-cutter Euro-American academic music.
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