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WERGO Releases The Wild Beasts, Landmark Recordings of Morton Subotnick

May. 04, 2015

WERGO Releases <em>The Wild Beasts</em>, Landmark Recordings of Morton Subotnick

WERGO Records has re-released a collection of landmark recordings by legendary electro-acoustic composer Morton Subotnick. “The Wild Beasts” (WER 73112) features two of his groundbreaking compositions for instruments and “ghost electronics”: After The Butterfly for trumpet, instrumental ensemble and electronic ghost score, and the eponymous The Wild Beasts for trombone, piano, and ghost electronics. The recordings were originally released as vinyl LP’s in 1980/1981 on the Nonesuch Records label.

After the Butterfly is a concerto-like work for trumpet and an ensemble of seven instruments composed in 1979. In this recording, Mario Guarneri is soloist with an ensemble conducted by Subotnick. The piece is among his earlier works that incorporate “ghost electronics”, technology that allows for real-time processing and manipulation of amplified acoustic instruments in live performance. Independent layers of sound material are subjected to these manipulations, creating complex sonic textures of varying intensities throughout the work.

Written in 1978, The Wild Beasts was commissioned by trombonist Miles Anderson and premiered in Valencia, California with pianist Virko Baley that same year. Originally inspired by Les Fauves paintings, The Wild Beasts seeks to create “atmospheres” through gradually transforming sound palettes. The trombonist is required to perform several extended techniques, in addition to the manipulation of ghost electronics, creating an otherworldly sonic atmosphere that unfolds throughout the 27-minute work.

Wergo will release a second volume of historic recordings of Subotnick's works later in the year, featuring A Flutter of Wings, Ascent into Air, Last Dream of the Beast and Axolotl.  

For more information about Morton Subotnick, visit schott-music.com.

Details on the CD can be found at wergo.de.

Morton Subotnick
After the Butterfly (1979)
for solo trumpet with chamber ensemble and ghost electronics
2 clarinets, 2 trombones, percussion, and 2 cellos
18’

The Wild Beasts (1978)
for trombone, piano, and electronic ghost score
23’

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