CDCM Computer Music Series, Vol. 28: Larry Austin: SoundPlays, Cityscapes, SoundPortraits--1993-96.(Sound recording review)

CDCM Computer Music Series, Vol. 28: Larry Austin: SoundPlays, Cityscapes, SoundPortraits--1993-96

Compact disc, 1999, Centaur CRC 2428; available from CDCM, P.O. Box 50888, Denton, Texas 76206, USA; telephone (940) 591-8128; electronic mail cdcm@sndart.cemi.unt.edu; World Wide Web www.music.unt.edu/ CDCM/newcdccat.html#28

Volume 28 of this series from the Consortium to Distribute Computer Music (CDCM) is the eighth release categorized as The Composer in the Computer Age. The composer in this case is Larry Austin, well known in computer music circles and the producer and cofounder of the CDCM series. This 1999 release presents three contrasting works which are bound together in a cohesive statement by Mr. Austin's pervasive aesthetic and mastery of his genre.

The disc is entitled SoundPlays, Cityscapes, SoundPortraits--1993-96. The music presents a fabric woven from text, context, and historical reference, exploring human language and jazz language, creating distinct sonic environments, and melding past and present. SoundPlays is specifically Variations ... beyond Pierrot, scored for a "Pierrot" ensemble and written for the Canadian group, Thira. Following it is Shin-Edo: CityscapeSet, a five-movement computer music reflection of Tokyo. Completing the CD is BluesAx, written for saxophonist Steven Duke and for which Mr. Austin was awarded the 1996 Magisterium in the 23rd …