Morton Feldman

A unique collection of Feldman’s “indeterminate” works; which incorporated new types of notation (including graph scores) and involving a considerable degree of indeterminacy in regard to pitch, dynamics, etc.

This is the first time the complete Durations and Projections series have appeared on a single disc. It is a rewarding experience to hear the Durations and Projections played together, imparting a sense of Feldman’s mastery of instrumentation and timbre while savoring the metamorphosis of its shifting colors, weights and densities of sound.

The Two Pieces (first recording) reveal techniques which evoke a piano’s resonance, as Feldman uses chords in which most tones immediately fade after their entrance, leaving only one or two sustained tones.

The Straits of Magellan focuses on static the and “vertical” experience, as well as on the constantly changing and fluctuating density of their sonic events, allowing one to relish the subtlety and sensuousness of this music which, startlingly, also conveys a jazzy character.

The superb performances, recorded in Germany, are by acclaimed pianist Philipp Vandré and the Turfan Ensemble. Gramophone magazine said of his recording of Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes: “Vandré’s thoughtful choice of preparations and loving approach to the music make this the definitive recording of the Sonatas and Interludes.”

The Straits of Magellan (1961) for flute, horn, trumpet, amplified guitar, harp, piano and contrabass 5:11
Two Pieces for Six Instruments (1956) for flute, alto flute, horn, trumpet, violin and cello 2:14 and 1:44, first recording
Projections (1950-51): 1 for cello solo 3:42; 2 for flute, trumpet, violin, cello and piano 5:55; 3 for 2 pianos 1:49; 4 for violin and piano 5:18; 5 for 3 flutes, 3 cellos, trumpet and 2 pianos 2:37
Durations (1960): 1 for alto flute, violin, cello and piano 8:30; 2 for cello and piano 3:24; 3 for tuba, piano and violin 8:31; 4 for violin, cello and vibraphone 3:39; 5 for violin, cello, vibraphone, celesta/piano and harp 8:04

Turfan Ensemble
Philipp Vandré and Thaddeus Watson, directors