Crumb: Five Pieces for Piano

The latest disc in Bridge's ongoing Crumb series is in many ways one of the most impressive to date.

The young American ensemble “ICE” worked with the composer on the interpretations of these pieces over a number of years, then recorded the performances under the composer's supervision. ICE's recordings present a level of virtuosity and faithfulness to Crumb's scores that reflect the experience of a generation of performers that has grown up playing this music.

Some of Crumb's most popular work is included on this disc (Vox Balaenae) as are some of his most infrequently played scores (Dream Sequence and Five Pieces).

With this disc Bridge draws near the completion of Crumb's 'back-catalogue' and plans to release the remaining works before the composer's 80th birthday in 2009. George Crumb is still actively creating new works, and two of these will soon be issued as Vol. 13- a two disc set.

“This is a remarkable achievement. The recording quality is superb, as is the cover art. Fascinating listening. It is evident at all times that Mead knows exactly where he is going. Another triumph for Metier.” Colin Clarke – Music Web

“[Crumb has a] fertile imagination for all the timbres and effects that can be extracted from a piano - with the help of the odd paper clip or glass tumbler, of course. Mead manages them superbly.”The Guardian - Andrew Clements

The composer said "Music can be defined as a series of proportions in the service of a divine impulse". A philosophy which is shared by compsoers from Bach to Camilleri, Machaut to Tavener, and which is certainly the ethos of Divine Art Records!

While acknowledging the radical experiments of the 1960s and 1970s, Crumb's music became famous for its instantly recognisable style, integrity and sense of mysticism, and an ability not to alienate audiences.