Avner Dorman: Letters from Gettysburg: - Avner Dorman [CD]

'Letters From Gettysburg', a work scored for soprano, baritone, large chorus and percussion, is the centrepiece in this all-Dorman release. Written in 2013 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, it was commissioned by the Gettysburg college american civil war sesquicentennial planning committee. Following its premiere, 'Letters From Gettysburg' was broadcast on radio stations across the US, including KUSC, WWFM and WETA. In five movements, organized in symmetrical arc form, 'Letters From Gettysburg' displays Dorman's soulful expression as a composer, combined with inventive vocal writing. These powerful texts are poignantly supported by percussion scoring that creates an almost supernatural ambience, recalling the tragic events of the war. Coupled on this recording are two Dorman works commissioned by Orli and Gil Shaham. Dorman composed 'After Brahms', three short pieces for solo piano, for Orli Shaham's solo project, 'Brahms Inspired'. In each of the movements, Dorman cleverly extends the harmonic language of Brahms while still preserving the stylistic vernacular of his own music. The violin sonata, 'Nigunim', was commissioned by Orli and her brother Gil for a 'Hebrew Melodies' project. 'Nigunim' draws on the musical influences of Jewish song, hailing from locations around the world - Africa, the Caucasus, the Balkans and Central Asia. With these global influences, the listener can imagine, hypothetically, the music of the ten lost tribes.

Disc 1
1. Kiss Me Mother (Avner Dorman) - Various Performers
2. I Have Thought (Avner Dorman) - Various Performers
3. Battle (Avner Dorman) - Various Performers
4. Dear Brave Boy (Avner Dorman) - Various Performers
5. Since I Was Wounded (Avner Dorman) - Various Performers
6. I. Allegro Con Molto Appassionato (Avner Dorman) - Orli Shaham
7. II. Delicatamente Con Molto Espressione (Avner Dorman) - Orli Shaham
8. III. Adagio Espressivo (Avner Dorman) - Orli Shaham
9. I. Adagio Religioso (Avner Dorman) - Gil Shaham/Orli Shaham
10. II. Scherzo (Avner Dorman) - Gil Shaham/Orli Shaham
11. III. Adagio (Avner Dorman) - Gil Shaham/Orli Shaham
12. IV. Presto (Avner Dorman) - Gil Shaham/Orli Shaham