Arthur Levering: School of Velocity
Liner Notes   Cat. No. NWCR812     Release Date: 1999-01-01
Dinosaur Annex Music Ensemble: Cyrus Stevens, violin; Anne Black, viola; Michael Curry, cello; Pascale Delache-Feldman, bass; Sue-Ellen Hershman, flute; Susan Gall Hampton, flute; Ian Greitzer, clarinet; Katherine Matasy, clarinet; James Russell Smith, percussion; Donald Berman, piano; Scott Wheeler, Conductor); Clayton Hoener, violin; Scott Woolweaver, viola; Andrew Mark, cello; Susan Robinson, harp; Christine Fish, flute; Sandra Hebert, piano; Marti Epstein, piano

Every conductor appreciates the distinction Rimsky-Korsakov made among orchestration ideas that sound good the first time in rehearsal, those that sound good after some rehearsal, and those that never quite work no matter how much rehearsal time they take. Arthur Levering writes the first kind, and he does it more consistently than any composer I can think of. For each of the pieces I conduct on this disc, the first reading at the first rehearsal revealed a clear, ringing musical conception. There was still plenty of work for us to do as performers: we had to learn to articulate the elegant formal structures, to match the pacing and exquisite taste of the music, and finally to rise to its power. But there was never any doubt that we were working on music with a stunning mastery of every compositional element.

Not that Arthur uses every compositional element he might — he is scrupulously selective in what his music can include. The beginning composer's desire to say everything in every work, using every possible means, has been replaced by the professional's sureness in knowing what to omit. Arthur Levering puts this focusing energy not only into each piece but into the creation of a body of work that speaks with a clear and identifiable voice. Arthur has created this voice the hard way, without gimmicks or eccentricity. To have known and worked with him has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my musical life; this is some of the best music I know. — Scott Wheeler

This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.

Various Artists

Arthur Levering: School of Velocity

MP3/320 $16.00
FLAC $16.00
WAV $16.00
CD-R $16.00
CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print material or jewel case included.
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
   Liner Notes



Track Listing

Twenty Ways Upon The Bells
Arthur Levering
Buy
Clarion/Shadowing: I. Quarter note = 80
Arthur Levering
Buy
Clarion/Shadowing: II. Quarter note = 144
Arthur Levering
Buy
School of Velocity: I. Quarter note = 132, con bravura
Arthur Levering
Buy
School of Velocity: II. Eighth note = 72
Arthur Levering
Buy
School of Velocity: III. Quarter note = 120, energico
Arthur Levering
Buy
Roulade
Arthur Levering
Buy
Uncle Inferno: I. Quarter note = 120
Arthur Levering
Buy
Uncle Inferno: II. Quarter note = 56
Arthur Levering
Buy
Uncle Inferno: III. Dotted Quarter note = 88
Arthur Levering
Buy
Cloches II
Arthur Levering
Buy