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<< -- 3 -- Carson P Cooman APPEALING LISTENING
Figuration (1980) for clarinet, cello, and piano is a one-movement trio. It is the earliest work on the disc but contains the same characteristic colors and textures as the later pieces
[listen -- track 16, 0:00-1:15].
Motivations (2000) for cello and piano is a short cello sonata in three movements. It is dedicated to the memory of Ernst Silberstein, Wilson's childhood cello teacher. The first movement has a dancing energy; the second movement is rhapsodic and searching, and the third movement, after an opening recitative in the solo cello (which returns), becomes driving.
The performances on the disc are uniformly excellent to hear and assumingly authoritative (given the composer's involvement and supervision). The disc, recorded in Vassar's concert hall, has a warm acoustic that is clean, yet captures the resonance of a live hall.
This disc makes a fine entry point into Wilson's compositional world, in which chamber music has always played a large role. Other releases available on various labels include some of his orchestral pieces, his complete choral music, numerous other chamber works, and his marvelous comic opera Aethelred the Unready.
Highly recommended -- Wilson's totally engaging sonic world makes for engrossing and completely appealing listening.
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