Smoke and Mirrors: Vanish Smoke & Mirrors Percussion Ensemble

• 1 Udacrep Akubrad 08:40
• 2 Juego de Relojes (Game of Clocks) 07:03
• 3 Fuge aus der Geographie (arr. for percussions) 02:31
• 4 Through Psychosis: V. Watch me vanish, watch me? 07:12
• 5 All-night Vigil, Op. 37, Vespers: Call to Worship (arr. for percussion) 03:06
• 6 Catfish 04:57
• 7 All-night Vigil, Op. 37, Vespers: Bless the Lord, O my soul (arr. for percussion) 06:35
• 8 Book of Grooves: II. Colours of a Groove 06:25
• 9 Book of Grooves: IV. Dance Groove Drifting 06:00
• 10 From me flows what you call time 25:59
• 11 All-night Vigil, Op. 37, Vespers: Hail, O Virgin Mother (Ave Maria) (arr. for percussions) 02:35
• Total Runtime 01:21:03

Info for Smoke and Mirrors: Vanish

The percussion ensemble, Smoke and Mirrors plays as if all five musicians were one person. The musical selections on this album are refreshingly fully-developed works, each very different from the others, each with its own story. As a whole, these pieces illustrate the breadth of contemporary classical music written for percussionists, as well as the flexibility and virtuosity of Smoke and Mirrors percussion ensemble.

Smoke and Mirrors uses rhythm, pitch and timbre to create intensely effective experiences. The recording includes compositions by Steve Reich, Eric Whitacre, Happenstance, a world premiere recording by Derek Tywoniuk, and works by Toru Takemitsu and Ravel. It opens with Reich’s complex Nagoya Marimbas which shows off the virtuosity of the ensemble. Together the five musicians weave into filaments of sound and rhythm as if they were one person.

Sleep is based on Whitacre’s beautiful choral work; this stunning arrangement preserves the essence of the choir, creating an equally beautiful percussion soundscape. Toru Takemitsu’s Rain Tree is a quiet contemporary work which continuously metamorphoses itself in a smooth sea of tonality. Closing the album is Ravel’s Sonatine, a naturally rhythmic composition that showcases the true spirit of Ravel’s music.

„All is well played and retains listener interest through the wide range of works and the varied sound worlds presented. It is highly engaging and rather delightful. Recommended for those percussion afficionados out there and for those who like rhythmic tonal music that speaks to us today.“ (Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review)

„Vanish is the engaging and highly innovative follow-up to Yarlung's original and equally compelling Smoke & Mirrors release, presenting a wide tapestry of rhythms and harmonics skillfully arrayed across a broad and deep soundstage. There's an immediacy, clarity, and transparency to this modern classical percussion recording that seemingly brings the performers to your living room.“ (Absolute Sound)

Colburn Orchestra
Smoke and Mirrors Percussion Ensemble
Gerard Schwarz, conductor

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Booklet for Smoke and Mirrors: Vanish