Subotnick: Volume 1: The Electronic Works

Morton Subotnick (Composer), Joan La Barbara (Performer), Thomas Buckner (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Joan La Barbara, Thomas Buckner
• Composer: Morton Subotnick
• Audio CD (April 24, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mode
• ASIN: B00005A8HB
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,786 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Electronic > Computer

Editorial Reviews

This release is an audiophile's dream: not only are three of Subotnick's poetic, mysterious, and imagination-bending electronic works available in truly discrete multiple channel formats, but also in "hi-definition" uncompressed 48khz/24-bit sound. This means that parts one and two of his cult classic "Touch" (1969), much of which flies around the listening space, originally released on "quadrophonic" vinyl LP, is presented here for the first time in 4 discrete channels. His lovely work "A Sky of Cloudless Sulphur" (1978), originally for 8-channel analog tape, receives its premiere in complete two-movement form with "Opening" and "Dance." A new work "Gestures...it begins with colors" (1999-2001) is presented both in a mix for 5.1 surround sound (for DVD-audio, and DTS high-resolution sound on the flip side of the main disc), but also (!) in an interactive DVD-ROM playable on computers equipped for DVD input, with which the viewer/listener can "reinterpret" the words (stories created by Melody Sumner Carnahan), images (created by the composer's son Steven) and music (featuring the expanded vocal techniques of Subotnick's wife composer/performer Joan LaBarbara). And...as it all this were not generous and intriguing enough, there are also three interviews about the creation of the various pieces. -All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth adding to "Silver Apples" and "Wild Bull", May 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Subotnick: Volume 1: The Electronic Works (Audio CD)

There was a time when I first got a couple of CDs of Morton Subotnick's electronic music. One of them has the 2 early masterpieces "Silver Apples of the Moon" and "The Wild Bull." The other had "Touch" and "Jacob's Room." Both on the Wergo label. I've read how "Jacob's Room" stunk before I bought the CD. I was aware of that. I listened to it twice and agree that "Jacob's Room" stunk (is that why it's no longer in stock?). Later, however, I notice this Mode CD containing "Touch" and other electronic works that are NOT "Jacob's Room." It must've gotten on the market shortly after I bough the Wergo CD. So I sold the Wergo CD at an auction (more than what I paid for, and I didn't ask for much) and got this Mode CD when I had a chance. On it, there's "Touch", "A Sky of Cloudless Sulphur" and "Gestures: It Begins With Colors." If you like "Silver Apples" as well as "The Wild Bull" then you may wanna get this Mode CD. This is Volume 1 of his works. I wonder when there'll be volume two...

Oh yes, you may also wanna get the New Albion CD, "The Key To Songs / Return." Another worthy addition of Subotnick's electronic music.