Owls, Windmachines, Gravedigging and Ritual Magick, Zorn’s strange and mystical monodrama for mezzo soprano and ten instruments is presented here in a beautiful new studio recording. Composed for the Bayreuth Opera Festival in 1998, the Rituals premiere was a bit of a scandal, with the audience split down the middle…half outraged detractors, stomping out, whistling and jeering and half cheering supporters. Performed here by a stellar group of Zorn regulars and some very special guests, Rituals is opera at its virtuosic and intimate best. Five movements of magic and alchemy from the crucible of an uncompromising and unpredictable musical maverick.

Muzycy:

Jennifer Choi - Violin

Stephen Drury - Piano, Harpsichord, Celeste, Organ

Brad Lubman - Conductor

Tara O'Connor - Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo

Jim Pugliese - Percussion, Wind Machines, Water, Bull Roarers, Gravedigging, Fishing Reels, Paper, Bowls Of BBs, Bird Calls

Fred Sherry - Violincello

William Winant - Percussion, Etc

Heather Gardner - Voice

Peter Kolkay - Bassoon, Contrabassoon

Mike Lowenstern - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Eb Clarinet

Kurt Muroki - Bass

Jim Pugh - Trombone