Track Listing

1. Kyrie I (14th Century)
2. Rachell's Weepinge (16th Century)
3. Langdans Efter Byfåns Mats [1997]
4. Lachrymae Antiquæ [1604]
5. Psalom (1991/1993)
6. Two Studies on Ancient Greek Scales [1946]
7. Long-Ge (1987)
8. Totem Ancestor [1943]
9. Kyrie II (14th Century) - The Kronos Quartet,
10. Brudmarsch Frå Östa [Traditional-Sweden] - Olov Johansson, The Kronos Quartet, Mikael Marin
11. Using the Apostate Tyrant as His Tool (9th Century)
12. Synchrony No. 2 (1994)
13. Quodlibet (1950)
14. Viderunt Omnes (12th-13th Century)
15. Kyrie III (14th Century) - The Kronos Quartet,
16. Four Part Fantasia No. 2 [1680]
17. O Virtus Sapientie [12th Century]
18. Uleg-Khem [Tuva] - Huun-Huur-Tu, , The Kronos Quartet, Steve Mackey
19. Farewell My Good I. Forever [16th Century]
20. Collected Songs Where Every Verse Is Filled with Grief (1984/85)
21. Bells: Tolling of the Knell

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119950 in Music
• Released on: 1997-09-16
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com essential recording
Don't get too comfortable with this disc's opening minutes, which sound convincingly like a well-tuned consort of viols performing two short pieces by Machaut and Tye. These two works from the 14th and 16th centuries quickly give way to a piece from 1997 by David Lamb. Then come Arvo Part, Harry Partch, John Cage, and even Moondog, a.k.a. Louis Hardin. Additional instruments come and go- -harmonium, bagpipe, zhong ruan, nyckelharpa, drum--all of which complement and enhance the string sounds. Later, we hear music by Hildegard von Bingen, Perotin, and even Purcell. Most of the selections from early composers are arrangements by the Kronos Quartet and others, but it's a tribute to the recording's producers that in spite of the music's diversity, everything works together to make a coherent, cohesive, intellectually, and musically challenging program. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews

Not as early as you might think
Yes, there is "old" music on this disc. But works in olden style by John Cage, Arvo Part, et al are also present. Quite a challenging program on the listener - but rewarding as well. I am particularly found of Kronos' setting of Alfred Shnittke's "Collected Songs Where Every Verse is Filled With Grief". Very eclectic recording performed with usual finesse of the Kronos Quartet - and some guests.

A pretty so-so effort, better luck next time?
Really this is a two star album, but I gave it three here because I would feel like a wretch slamming this record. After all, Kronos is a tremendous quartet and have done more to unstuff and save classical music than anyone else. How else would I have ever heard about Schnittke or Moondog? But genuine care for artists requires an honest appraisal of each work on its own and I found this to be pretty lifeless and not nearly as cathartic as Kronos fans expect. The absolute career low point comes with an awful rendering of Harry Partch that betrays the composer's aesthetic. There are good reasons to have this CD however, and many of the pieces will serve as pleasing interludes when CD changers are put on random play. All things considered, I won't be selling this one, but I wouldn't buy it again.

a good one
Who can say, as of now, how much of the music the KQ plays will fall, deservedly or not, by the wayside and how much of it will continue for the ages? At any rate, this CD is rewarding. I like the mix of quirky pieces with the staid, even if the title "Early Music" is misleading (since few original instruments are utilized in this record). Fine work; highly recommended.