Gavin Bryars - After the Requiem (1990)

After the Requiem continued Gavin Bryars' journey away from the more experimental work that made his reputation early in his career toward pieces possessing a more melancholic and romantic quality. In two of the works herein, "The Old Tower of Lobenicht" and "Allegrasco," one can hear echoes of his brilliant composing on the Hommages album. But where the romantic elements were stricter and more crystalline on the prior effort, here there is an expansiveness that sometimes succeeds and at other times verges on kitsch. Guitarist Bill Frisell performs on three of the four compositions, but his creamy, sustained chords tend to sound somewhat bland and occasionally subvert some otherwise very attractive melodic material. The standout track is a saxophone quartet number, "Alaric I or II," featuring the surprising presence of Evan Parker. In fact, Bryars' earliest musical ventures were as a member of the British free improvisation community, so the inclusion of Parker has some historical background. The composition is a very enjoyable melange of minimalist technique and references to Gershwin that manages to cohere into a satisfying whole. Fans of Bryars' more substantial work from the '70s or his improvising skills in groups like Joseph Holbrooke may find After the Requiem a little too sweet for their tastes, while listeners who are looking for something a bit meatier than Arvo Part or Henryk Gorecki may find their appetite satisfied.

Tracklist

1 After the Requiem (1990) (15:48)
2 Old Tower of Löbenicht (1987) (16:00)
3 Alaric I or II (1989) (15:15)
4 Allegrasco (1983) (19:46)

ECM New Series 1424 78118-21424-2

Kate Musker Viola
Ray Warleigh Sax (Alto)
Nick White Photography
Roger Heaton Clarinet, Clarinet (Bass)
Steve Lake Liner Notes
Dave Smith Piano, Horn (Tenor)
Dieter Rehm Design, Cover Design
Simon Limbrick Percussion
Jim Bengston Photography, Cover Photo
Caroline Forbes Photography
Dave Smith Piano, Horn (Tenor)
Stan Sulzmann Sax (Soprano)
Martin Allen Percussion
Julian Arguelles Sax (Baritone)
Alexander Balanescu Violin, Viola
Manfred Eicher Producer
Bill Frisell Guitar (Electric)
Tony Hinnigan Cello
Jan Erik Kongshaug Engineer
Gavin Bryars Bass, Liner Notes, Main Performer


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