Composer
John Zorn :  Rituals
Cat. # 8011
Released Feb 2005
cd time - 26:36
US Price $16.00
 
Owls, Windmachines, Gravedigging and Ritual Magick, Zorn’s strange and mystical monodrama for mezzo soprano and ten instruments is presented here in a beautiful new studio recording. Composed for the Bayreuth Opera Festival in 1998, the Rituals premiere was a bit of a scandal, with the audience split down the middle…half outraged detractors, stomping out, whistling and jeering and half cheering supporters. Performed here by a stellar group of Zorn regulars and some very special guests, Rituals is opera at its virtuosic and intimate best. Five movements of magic and alchemy from the crucible of an uncompromising and unpredictable musical maverick.
 
 
Personnel:
Jennifer Choi: Violin
Stephen Drury: Piano, Harpsichord, Celeste, Organ
Brad Lubman: Conductor
Tara O'Connor: Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
Jim Pugliese: Percussion, Wind Machines, Water, Bull Roarers, Gravedigging, Fishing Reels, Paper, Bowls Of BBs, Bird Calls
Fred Sherry: Violincello
William Winant: Percussion, Etc.
Heather Gardner: Voice
Peter Kolkay: Bassoon, Contrabassoon
Mike Lowenstern: Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Eb Clarinet
Kurt Muroki: Bass
Jim Pugh: Trombone