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Morton Subotnick

Volume 1: Electronic Works

Label: Mode

Format: CD

Genre: Compositional

In stock

€16.50
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*2022 stock* Although this might be labelled 'Volume 1', this large collection of Morton Subotnick's work (featuring three of his pieces - 'Touch', 'A Sky of Cloudless Sulphur' and 'Gestures') actually showcases some of his most recent compositions. The pioneering electronic composer shot into the public eye with his very well known album 'Silver Apples of the Moon', but his work didn't end there and here we get 'Touch' which was composed just after 'The Wild Bull' in 1969 set next to 'A Sky of Cloudless Sulphur' from 1978 and 'Gestures' which was composed in 1999-2001. 'Touch' is classic sound Subotnick, with that tape hiss we've all become so accustomed to forming the base of the track as cascading synthesizer sounds dance on top. Much more rhythmic than his usual work this could almost be comparable to modern electronica in its strange choppy sounds and synthesized hyperactivity and is easily as accessible as his more well known pieces. Elsewhere 'A Sky of Cloudless Sulphur' is interesting in the fact that it sounds so clean - those of you familiar with Subotnicks earlier work may be surprised by the relative coldness of these recordings, but they still retain the sounds that made Subotnick so important in the first place as bubbling synthesized sounds float from ear to ear subtly. The disc ends with the most recent piece 'Gestures' which according to the sleeve was written for 5.1 surround sound, and shows that while many early electronic musicians have lost their way in their formative years, Subotnick has been able to stay on top of his experiments, and has carried on challenging both himself and the listener. Amazing and hugely important electronic music from start to finish - you know you need it. 

Details
Cat. number: mode 97
Year: 2001
Notes:

Tracks 1 and 2 composed for 4-channel tape in 1969 and originally released on Columbia Records. Tracks 3 and 4 composed for 8-channel tape in 1978. Track 5 composed for 5.1 surround sound in 1999-2001. This is the first recording of tracks 3 and 5. 48/24-bit Hi-definition [logo] Includes 24-page booklet with liner notes in English, German and French. Made & printed in USA