Ever so gradually, the music of British serialist Elisabeth Lutyens is becoming better known, thanks in large part to the periodic release of revelatory recordings on NMC. This body of work is fascinating to explore, not only because of Lutyens' historical position as an innovative (and sometimes controversial) twelve-tone composer among a bevy of tonal traditionalists, but more importantly because the high level of craft in her music is impressive and frequently awe-inspiring. Lutyens knew better than most that serial ...
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Ever so gradually, the music of British serialist Elisabeth Lutyens is becoming better known, thanks in large part to the periodic release of revelatory recordings on NMC. This body of work is fascinating to explore, not only because of Lutyens' historical position as an innovative (and sometimes controversial) twelve-tone composer among a bevy of tonal traditionalists, but more importantly because the high level of craft in her music is impressive and frequently awe-inspiring. Lutyens knew better than most that serial music needs to sound well, not merely look good on paper, and her skill in creating clear and accessible pieces is readily apparent on this 2006 collection of choral and chamber works. It almost doesn't matter that this is sophisticated dodecaphonic music, and that such technical devices as palindromes and other symmetrical structures are involved; Lutyens' ear was unfailing, and her counterpoint was as transparent and understandable as her harmonies were rich and evocative. The choral...
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