John Cage: Seasons

“

The first appearance of the work of John Cage on ECM is cause for celebration. This recording goes beyond the artistic-nihilistic gestures and the anarchic-Zen gags to get at the essence of Cage's musical thought. Cage's playfulness can't be - and shouldn't be - muzzled, of course, but here one also experiences the beauty and the sensuality of the compositions, thanks to the input of two musicians who worked closely with the composer: conductor Dennis Russell Davies and pianist Margaret Leng Tan. The album includes a premiere recording of "Seventy-Four" which Cage wrote especially for the American Composers Orchestra.

”

Tracks:

1. Seventy-Four
2-5. The Seasons
Prelude I. Winter
Prelude II. Spring
Prelude III. Summer
Prelude IV.Fall
6-8. Concerto for Prepared Piano
First Part
Second Part
Third Part
9. Seventy-Four
10-14. Suite for Toy Piano
I
II
III
IV
V
15-19. Suite for Toy Piano
I
II
III
IV
V

Margaret Leng Tan: prepared piano, toy piano
American Composers Orchestra:
Dennis Russell Davies: conductor