This release presents music by two American composers with two very distinctive styles. Arnold Rosner used Medieval and Renaissance music as a starting point for his own work. Carson Cooman’s music is also tonal, although he seems inspired by Century trends. Rosner’s Piano Quintet No. 2, Op. 103 is one of the high points of […]
Arnold Rosner
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Arnold Rosner Requiem — Timeless
Toccata Classics has done a real service to music with this recording. It’s one of Arnold Rosner’s most substantial works. And, unfortunately, one most likely to only be heard through recording rather than live performances. The Requiem is a massive work. It contemplates death through a variety of traditions: Zen Buddhism, the Jewish Kaddish, the […]
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Arnold Rosner Orchestral Music Vol. 3 – more, please
Toccata Classics continues their exploration of Arnold Rosner’s orchestral music. Volume Three presents three world premiere recordings. Each one a masterwork, and each (in my opinion) deserving more performances. Rosner was fascinated with Medieval and Renaissance music and often used pre-Baroque voice-leading and modal harmonies in his work. The 1978 Nocture is one such example. […]
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Arnold Rosner Orchestral Works, Vol. 2
This installment of Rosner’s orchestral music shows a wide range of emotional expression. The 1976 Five Ko-ans for Orchestra encapsulates the essence of Rosner’s style. The music’s mostly triadic, with chords resolving in delightfully unexpected ways. Rosner incorporated Renaissance modality and late Medieval counterpoint into his music. It’s no accident that the final movement of this work […]
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Rosner Chamber Music – Always a Pleasure
Another recording of Arnold Rosner’s music is always welcome (in my opinion). Rosner was something of a musical outsider, much like Alan Hovhaness. Rosner wrote Hovhaness’ entry in Groves and was an acknowledged authority on his music. Like Hovhaness, Rosner wrote in an unapologetically tonal language, unconcerned with the conventions of traditional harmony. Hovhaness used Eastern modes, […]