Fast Fantasy

Album review

Albany Records' Fast Fantasy is the first record in its catalog to be emblazoned with the device "Charles Wuorinen Series." Charles Wuorinen is a top-ranking American composer whose reputation has endured some shock over the years. As Wuorinen has held out against the anti-serial tide fostered by many younger composers, he is looked upon by some as an out-of-touch pariah hanging onto the last legs of a dying tradition.
Hearing the music of Wuorinen might well change one's mind about that, especially if it is as good as that on Fast Fantasy. These pieces were written especially for Fred Sherry, cellist in Tashi and a longtime friend of Wuorinen. When there is piano accompaniment, the composer supplies it; the drum parts in Grand Union are handled by percussionist Tom Kohler. The disc's contents were recorded in a variety of venues, and the version here of Cello Variations II (1975) was previously released on a Koch collection of Wuorinen. Despite the variant locales, Fast Fantasy is played beautifully and generally recorded well.
Fast Fantasy works best if the listener has an open-minded approach and the distinctive harmonic color of serial-organized music does not disturb. Overall the best pieces on the disc are the last two; Cello Variations III is simply a sumptuous display piece showing off cellist Sherry's intimate sense of drama and deeply lyrical playing. Grand Union has both rhythmic interest and dynamism. The rest of the music has its moments; Wuorinen's music is tightly organized and does not ramble. Yet there is a detached feeling behind much of the music, and while it holds your attention, the emotional content runs only so deep.

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