Gavin Bryars: After the Requiem

by Gavin Bryars

Overview

After the Requiem continued Gavin Bryars' journey away from the more experimental work that made his reputation early in his career toward pieces possessing a more melancholic and romantic quality. In two of the works herein, "The Old Tower of Lobenicht" and "Allegrasco," one can hear echoes of his brilliant composing on the Hommages album. But where the romantic elements were stricter and more crystalline on the prior effort, here there is an expansiveness that sometimes succeeds and at other times verges on kitsch. Guitarist Bill Frisell performs on three of the four compositions, but his creamy, sustained chords tend to sound somewhat bland and occasionally subvert some otherwise very attractive melodic material. The standout track is a saxophone quartet number, "Alaric I or II," featuring the surprising presence of Evan Parker. In fact, Bryars' earliest musical ventures were as a member of the British free improvisation community, so the inclusion of Parker has some historical background. The composition is a very enjoyable melange of minimalist technique and references to Gershwin that manages to cohere into a satisfying whole. Fans of Bryars' more substantial work from the '70s or his improvising skills in groups like Joseph Holbrooke may find After the Requiem a little too sweet for their tastes, while listeners who are looking for something a bit meatier than Arvo Part or Henryk Gorecki may find their appetite satisfied. ~ Brian Olewnick

Product Details

Release Date:	03/31/2009
Label:	ECM
UPC:	0042284753715
Rank:	63138

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gavin Bryars   Primary Artist,Bass
Alexander Balanescu   Primary Artist,Viola,Violin
Martin Allen   Primary Artist,Percussion
Bill Frisell   Primary Artist,Guitar (Electric)
Evan Parker   Primary Artist,Sax (Soprano)
Roger Heaton   Primary Artist,Clarinet,Clarinet (Bass)
Stan Sulzmann   Primary Artist,Sax (Soprano)
Ray Warleigh   Primary Artist,Sax (Alto)
David Smith   Primary Artist
Kate Musker   Primary Artist,Viola
Tony Hinnigan   Primary Artist,Cello
Simon Limbrick   Primary Artist,Percussion
Julian Argueelles   Sax (Baritone)
Dave Smith   Piano,Horn (Tenor),Piano,Horn (Tenor),Piano,Horn (Tenor)
Julian Argulles   Sax (Baritone)
Anthony Hinnigan   Cello

Technical Credits

Gavin Bryars   Composer,Liner Notes
Jan Erik Kongshaug   Engineer
Manfred Eicher   Producer
Steve Lake   Liner Notes
Jim Bengston   Cover Photo,Photography
Dieter Rehm   Design,Cover Design
Caroline Forbes   Photography
Nick White   Photography