Joan Tower is widely regarded as one of today’s most important American composers. The works heard here in their world premiere recordings are part of a growing legacy that one pundit has described as “The Power of Tower.” Strike Zones is tailor-made for percussionist Evelyn Glennie’s dazzling technique and impeccable musicianship. The work’s orchestration is crafted to enhance a stage filled with percussion instruments while in Small they are contained on a single table, the soloist working like a brilliant chef. The piano concerto Still/Rapids was inspired by the glistening beauty and powerful force of water, and Ivory and Ebony, written as a test piece for an international piano competition, is infused with Towers “high-energy” signature.
Repertoire
Strike Zones 00:21:10
Small 00:06:31
Still/Rapids
I. Still 00:05:00
II. Rapids 00:12:36
Ivory and Ebony 00:07:33
Performers
Evelyn Glennie, Percussion
Blair McMillen, Piano
Albany Symphony Orchestra
David Alan Miller
