"Transgenic Fields, dusk," an example of what Smooke describes as an "unreal landscape," has a fuzzy, unhurried, improvisatory feel. The composer's riveting treatment of this linguistic frenzy is performed by loadbang with terrific technical assurance and expressive force. 1: A to breathing" is inspired by a story by Michael Kimball (writing as Andy Devine) that uses much-repeated words in alphabetical order. The rattle of the tiny, tinny keyboard is juxtaposed against massive outbursts or ominous rumblings from the other players an occasional wail from a clarinet suggests an echo from Berlioz' "Symphonie Fantastique." In the disorienting "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death," Smooke plays the amplified toy piano solo, joined by the Peabody Wind Ensemble and conductor Harlan Parker. There's something almost John Cage-ish about the freedom and variety of his ideas, the richly varied explorations of sound, often spiced with a hip culture vibe.Ī Peabody Conservatory faculty member and valued mentor to budding composers there, Smooke takes listeners on an absorbing journey in this recording, which features an assortment of solid musicians from Baltimore and beyond. On that score, David Smooke registers way beyond notable. One of the things that makes a composer notable is an ability to carve out a fresh path, one way or another.
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