Robert Carl: ‘White Heron’ has been released by Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Gil Rose, conductor (BMOP/sound). Anthony Tommasini in the New York Times comments on this as one of 5 Classical Albums of Note this week (March 2, 2021).
"The concept of space is conveyed during extended stretches of these scores that unfold in spacious, quivering, tart sonorities, often built from what Carl describes as a personalized harmony that creates “ladders” (a term I like) of all 12 chromatic pitches. This technique comes through especially in “What’s Underfoot.” Yet even in seemingly tranquil episodes, below the surface Carl’s music is restless with riffs that stir up internal intensity and thrust.
It’s gripping, almost a relief, when a piece really takes off, as in sections of the Symphony No. 5, “Land,” that teem with hurtling energy, streams of notes and slashing bursts. The performances under Gil Rose capture both the sonic allure and multilayered intricacy of the music." -- ANTHONY TOMMASINI
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