George Lewis - Les Exercices Spirituels (2011)

Composer, scholar, computer wizard and trombonist extraordinaire George Lewis is one of the world’s most distinguished musicians, and Les Exercices Spirituels is one of his greatest and most ambitious CDs to date. Featuring three new chamber compositions (two from 2010) performed by three brilliant New Music ensembles the music blends composition, improvisation and electronic processing into a dynamic and compelling new aggregate. The title piece is one of Lewis’ true masterpieces, a colorful and dynamic composition with a philosophical base that moves from moment to moment with elegance and endless fascination. It receives a definitive performance by the Ensemble Erik Satie. Coupled here with Hello Mary Lou for large ensemble and electronics and Ikons, an acoustic octet written for the Vancouver Olympiad, this is a CD that will be discussed and listened to for many years to come. Fascinating.