Gunther Schuller: Islands in the(3rd)Stream

[snyprrr]

All I have to represent Schuller, who passed last year (2015), are two later works: a 'Sonata-Fantasia' for Piano (Russell Sherman), and a Brass Quintet (### I don't know, ABQ; Summit), but, based on these two works alone, from the 80/90s era, Schuller wrote solid works in a modern style when needed/called for. I also remember his String Quartet No.? on that old horrid Emerson SQ disc on DG (sorry,... what? do you really cherish it?... reeeally??): I do not recall enjoying any of the works on that disc, but, I can't be sure what was what- I presume the Schuller was fairly "rigorous" and loud and dissonant. The two works I mention above are quite refined- I love those Late Masterpieces!,

Oh, wait, there was also a CD with an Octet of some kind, with also maybe some kind of 'Impromptus', that I recall being somewhat "normal" sounding and not of all that much interes, as well put together as it was. I'm not sure how Modern he got, but I haven't heard anything "groovy" or such- I'm almost just satisfied with my 30mins. of Schuller, though, I'd love to find another substantial work to round out.

What say you?

I know, I'm blatantly copping the 'Schuller Thread', so, sorry!

[Karl Henning]

A modern style is always called for! 

[Mirror Image]

I don't know much about the composer but I remember hearing this work awhile back:

https://www.youtube.com/v/jUmYkbCchWg

[lescamil]

Schuller's Symphony for Brass and Percussion was my first real exposure to his compositions. It appears on many Third Stream albums, but is not representative of the style at all. No matter, because I consider it one of his best works. Seeing it performed is a real highlight in my concert-going life.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po_MiX8qAqw



As far as his Third Stream works go, the Concertino for Jazz Quartet and Orchestra is great.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoKtHHhYC-w

[snyprrr]

bump

[Scion7]

ah, the REAL thread - the first!

The album he made with Eric and Ornette is the one to have first.

[springrite]

I am far more familiar with his writing on music than with his music itself.