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Inspired by the expansive piano cycles of Beethoven and Schumann, but written in what may be called the post-serial vernacular, James Dillon's The Book of Elements is a veritable summa of modernist thought and keyboard technique. Through his absorption of piano music from Scriabin and Bartók to Messiaen and Xenakis, Dillon has developed a refined eclecticism that goes beyond mere imitation, and all distinctions of style or discipline are transcended in this five-volume compendium: a treasure trove of versatile motives, striking gestures, and intricately woven patterns, cast as 27 fleeting bagatelles, soft meditations, and virtuosic etudes of intense complexity. Yet The Book of Elements is much more than a catalog of digested ideas or an arbitrary collection of miniatures, for a deep mystical current runs through these pieces and unifies them. Dillon's incorporation of diverse materials and conflicting ideas is always in the service of his higher aesthetic goal -- the metaphoric, musical expression of esoteric things. On two CDs and running for almost 83 minutes, this elaborate work is demanding of both the listener's concentration and the performer's stamina. Pianist Noriko Kawai displays phenomenal abilities and a profound sympathy for Dillon's aims, and her energy never flags. NMC's sound is clear and encompasses the piano's full dynamic range.
© TiVo
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The Book of Elements, Vol. 1 (James Dillon)
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
The Book of Elements, Vol. 2 (James Dillon)
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
The Book of Elements, Vol. 3 (James Dillon)
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
DISC 2
The Book of Elements, Vol. 4 (James Dillon)
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
The Book of Elements, Vol. 5 (James Dillon)
James Dillon, Composer - Noriko Kawai, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
Album review
Inspired by the expansive piano cycles of Beethoven and Schumann, but written in what may be called the post-serial vernacular, James Dillon's The Book of Elements is a veritable summa of modernist thought and keyboard technique. Through his absorption of piano music from Scriabin and Bartók to Messiaen and Xenakis, Dillon has developed a refined eclecticism that goes beyond mere imitation, and all distinctions of style or discipline are transcended in this five-volume compendium: a treasure trove of versatile motives, striking gestures, and intricately woven patterns, cast as 27 fleeting bagatelles, soft meditations, and virtuosic etudes of intense complexity. Yet The Book of Elements is much more than a catalog of digested ideas or an arbitrary collection of miniatures, for a deep mystical current runs through these pieces and unifies them. Dillon's incorporation of diverse materials and conflicting ideas is always in the service of his higher aesthetic goal -- the metaphoric, musical expression of esoteric things. On two CDs and running for almost 83 minutes, this elaborate work is demanding of both the listener's concentration and the performer's stamina. Pianist Noriko Kawai displays phenomenal abilities and a profound sympathy for Dillon's aims, and her energy never flags. NMC's sound is clear and encompasses the piano's full dynamic range.
© TiVo
About the album
- 2 disc(s) - 27 track(s)
- Total length: 01:22:40
- 1 Digital booklet
- Main artists: Noriko Kawai
- Composer: James Dillon
- Label: NMC Recordings
- Genre: Classical
2012 NMC Recordings 2012 (P) NMC Recordings
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