John Adams / Steve Reich / Ransom Wilson - Grand Pianola Music / Eight Lines / Vermont Counterpoint

His Master's Voice - LP

UK, 1985

Classical / Contemporary / Minimal

Set of three sumptuous and lesser-known compositions by titans of American Minimalism, Adams and Reich, under the direction of Ransom Wilson. Starting with John Adams at his most-good tempered, with the light and luminous Grand Pianola Music, a piece for a relatively small orchestra and two pianos playing slightly out of phase, that evokes French impressionism - Satie's quirk and Debussy's fantasy. 

Steve Reich's relatively short piece for flute Vermont Counterpoint also leans towards Debussy's world of fauns and fairies, A Midsummer Night's Dream's Greece being replaced by the green hills of Vermont.  Composed in 1979, the wonderful Eight Lines brilliantly holds together all the themes Reich explored during his chamber music period, throughout the 1970's. A sober yet extremely moving piece of contained of music.  Seldom seen LP of splendid music. (VG+/VG+ ; perfect condition)