We now have his 9th release for the label, a compilation of live performances of Cunningham chamber works entitled Indiana Collectanea (Navona NV6270). On it we hear some 11 works of interest, recorded in concert at Indiana University between 1969 and 1973.
Performances give us a fine snapshot, a musically skilled and clear idea of the work at hand. The recording quality is generally good. The compositions show us a Cunningham fully formed, an original voice within the Dodecaphonic/post-Dodecaphonic, generally post-Tonal realms of Modernism as it stood when Cunningham was getting his doctorate (1973) at Indiana University.
Each work stands out as extremely well crafted and eloquently advanced. The chamber combinations are quite wide-ranging and take advantage of the vibrant sound colors and idiomatic phrasing possibilities available to each configuration. I will not attempt to discuss every`
work individually given time and space considerations, but they span the gamut from solo piano ("Piano Sonata," Op. 33), to piano and trombone ("Statements"), piano, clarinet and flute ("Triple Sonata"), violin, viola, cello ("Prisms"), violin, cello, bass ("Images"), violin, oboe, marimba, bass ("Noetical Rounds"), small percussion ensemble ("Polyphonies"), bass clarinet and harp ("Phases"), small brass ensemble ("Concertant"), three horns ("Terzett") and multiple instruments ("Scenario").
Like most all well conceived High Modernist works, the rhythmic and note-upon-note harmo-melodics come alive especially with multiple listens. Cunningham makes every note count in a program that stands out once one listens in this way. It's another fine outing from a composer who deserves wide recognition. Anyone in the Modernist camp or wishing to explore further classic later 20th century approaches should find this album an absorbing and rewarding thing. Definitely recommended.
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