Customer Reviews

The Shock of the Old

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Can one use words like "hot", or "rockin', to describe contemporary concert music? Well, when talking about The Shock of the Old, from the Common Sense Composer's Collective, you sure can. This is wonderful new music composed for and brilliantly played on historical instruments by the members of American Baroque, a dynamic, eclectic ensemble based in San Francisco. American Baroque definitely rocks! And sings beautifully, and swings...! They bring such joy and virtuoso musicianship to their playing that the heart of music, both old and new, is made accessible.

The pieces challenge the technical realities of the period instruments, creating an imaginative and innovative aesthetic. I especially enjoyed Marc Mellits' 9 Miniatures, which utilizes the ensemble to create a soundscape that evokes the diverse spirit of the musical past and present. The amazing Baroque flautist, Stephen Schultz, is particularly outstanding on Mellits' haunting Elegy for Lefty and John Halle's technically demanding Spooks. Katherine Shao's harpsichord playing is a revelation throughout; Gonzalo Ruiz has command of one of the purist sounds I've ever heard from a Baroque oboe; Violinist, Elizabeth Blumenstock, and gambist, Roy Whelden play with flawless technique and produce a string sound that runs the gamut of musical history. Am I delighted? Yes!

This is thoughtful, fun, ear-opening contemporary music that both challenges and warmly invites. It communicates and expands the possibilities. Bravo to all concerned with the project!

...
An amazing bunch of musicians playing some amazing new (old!) music. I love baroque violin and harpsichord...I always wonder why composers don't work with these instruments and deconstruct these classical forms more often, so I really love this record. It is a brilliant concept and all the music is different and wonderful. I am a huge fan now of Common Sense Collective: I think they are a really energized and exciting consortium of artists clearly out to turn music on it's head...just put on the CD and let Belinda Reynold's piece CIRCA begin your day, swirling around your head with your morning coffee!! All the composers on this cd rock.

"I have seen the future of classical music, and it's name is...Common Sense???" Finally, something new and delightful in contemporary music! Common Sense has found a talented group in American Baroque to try some cross-cultural pollination that actually works! I'm particularly fond of the first track, Belinda Reynold's "CIRCA," and also Dan Becker's "Tamper Resistant"; it makes me want to go mutate some music- he could give Moby and Beck some original ideas... all beautifully recorded with "Baroque-a-delic" cover art for that real 60's (1760s, that is!) feel. A talented group of composers + talented performers + a creative concept = a UNIQUE TREAT...they also just got a great review in the Sunday "Datebook" of the San Francisco Chronicle ...I enjoyed their previous "Emergency Music" CD on Koch from a few years ago as well, which is why I was quick to check out what Common Sense was up to this time!

In this marvelous CD's liner notes, it has this line which this reviewer believes typifies the effort: "The results are a wonderful and motley assortment of pieces. We hope you enjoy."

I enjoy, and think many of you will too. This is combo of two groups collaboration, Common Sense Composers' Collective and American Baroque. New electronic devices and their capabilites combine (the motley) with baroque instruments in wonderful merger of fresh, exciting new sounds.

I like another reviewer rave over the 9 Miniatures work, especially cuts two and three, Slippery and Metoclopramide respectively named. There are hard to describe, but old meeting new in vibrant, synthesized way would only begin to come close.

Also, as Telemann fan, their treatment of him as silly putty in "Tamper Resistant" is delightful.

Try this. New possiblities musically are intriguing and fun listening.