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Classical Works

 
Album Review: Classical Works

  • Artist: David Shea
  • Rating: StarStarStarHalf Star
  • Release Date: November 17, 1998
  • Total Time: 55:22
  • Genre: Electronica

Review

David Shea's sampling technique manages to be both one of the most innovative experiments in classical music and, at the same time, one of the most conservative uses of pre-recorded music. As the first piece on his Classical Works collection, "Chamber Symphony #1" highlights his unique process. The recording is the result of an original performance by the Brussels-based Ictus Ensemble, a 16-member chamber orchestra. The ensemble contributed to the recording in three ways: they played acoustically, they activated pedals to create electronic versions of their instruments, and they were sampled, with the sampled pieces later worked back into the recording, adding new layers and textures. The result is a multi-layered mix which challenges the listener to discern between the live and recorded elements. Shea only uses material from the original performance here, which is the kind of limitation that leads to even more creative solutions. Each of the four movements show a freshness in style and a great energy in their execution. "The Voice Suite," the second piece on the album, also makes use of both sampled pieces and electro-acoustic instrumentation to create an interpretation of the score for a radio drama by the same name. A much smaller group of musicians is used here and the sampling is more obvious, though still well-integrated. The music is delicate and beautiful, with subcurrents of ominous rumblings, making good use of the string talents of cellist Erik Friedlander and the "screaming oboe multiphonics" of Piet Van Bockstal. Both "The Voice Suite" and "Chamber Symphony #1" also show a good deal of depth, making this one of Shea's most well-executed albums. ~ Stacia Proefrock, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track TitleComposersPerformersTime
Chamber Symphony #1: MVT 1 David Shea (4:15)
MVT 2a David Shea (3:08)
MVT 2b David Shea (1:45)
MVT 3 David Shea (5:23)
MVT 4 David Shea (3:59)
The "Voice" Suite: MVT 1 David Shea Jim Pugliese, Erik Friedlander, David Shea, Miguel Bernat (:44)
MVT 2 David Shea Erik Friedlander, Miguel Bernat, David Shea, Jim Pugliese (5:33)
MVT 3 David Shea Jim Pugliese, David Shea, Erik Friedlander, Miguel Bernat (2:05)
MVT 4 David Shea Jim Pugliese, David Shea, Miguel Bernat, Erik Friedlander (5:46)
MVT 5 David Shea Miguel Bernat, David Shea, Jim Pugliese, Erik Friedlander (4:50)
MVT 6a David Shea Miguel Bernat, Erik Friedlander, David Shea, Jim Pugliese (4:56)
MVT 6b David Shea David Shea, Jim Pugliese, Erik Friedlander, Miguel Bernat (2:46)
MVT 7 David Shea Jim Pugliese, Erik Friedlander, Miguel Bernat, David Shea (10:12)

Credits

Piet Van Bockstal (?), Ikue Mori (Design), Piet Van Bockstal (Oboe), Eric Sleichim (Sax (Baritone)), David Shea (Mixing), Takashi Yamane (Clarinet), Georges-Elie Octors (Conductor), Gerrit Nulens (Percussion), Jim Pugliese (?), Philippe Ranallo (Trumpet), Alain Pire (Trombone), Kurt Ralske (Mixing), David Shea (Producer), Miguel Bernat (?), Jim Pugliese (Sampled Keyboards), Ivan Kogen Semenoff (Violin), Paul de Clerck (Viola), Lisa Dilillo (Photography), Janna Van Mechelen (Flute (Alto)), Kazunori Sugiyama (Producer), Geert de Bievre (Cello), Erik Friedlander (Cello), Jean-Luc Fafchamps (Piano), David Shea (?), Allan Tucker (Mastering), Jim Pugliese (Turntables), Francis Rossi (?), Jean-Luc Plouvier (Sampled Keyboards), Kurt Ralske (Engineer), Gery Cambier (Double Bass), François Deppe (Cello), Miguel Bernat (Percussion), Joshua Tyler (Mixing), Dirk Noyen (Bassoon), Erik Friedlander (?), David Shea (Piano), John Zorn (Executive Producer)
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Album Review. Copyright © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.  Read more