What makes Harold Meltzer - Songs and Structures important
Some recordings are truly important -- and I think "Song and Structures" qualifies as one. Every work on this Harold Meltzer album is performed by the artists who premiered them.
In some cases, such as the song cycles, Meltzer composed specifically for the voice of the singer. That singer, tenor Paul Appleby also provides the liner notes. In them, he shares insights about the composer and music he knows personally.
Meltzer takes inspiration from architecture. His music is carefully constructed and elegantly balanced in form. Paul Appleby sings two song cycles in this release, accompanied by pianist Natalia Katyukov. They premiered "Bride of the Island" in 2016. Appleby sings in a clarion, declamatory style that throws the words into sharp relief.
The pair also perform "Beautiful Ohio," another work Appleby premiered. Here Appleby sings with a more lyrical tone, occasionally bending notes at the end of phrases. His delivery adds to the essentially down-home character of James Wright's poetry.
"Aqua" was premiered by the Avalon String Quartet. They also commissioned the work. Melzer was inspired by the Aqua Tower in Chicago. The music emulates its sea of curved balconies and fluid lines with remarkable effectiveness.
The Library of Congress commissioned "Kreisleriana" for the 50th anniversary of the virtuoso's death. Melzter's work was premiered by violinist Miranda Cuckson and pianist Blair McMillen.
It is indeed a work for virtuoso performers, though the technical challenges may not always be obvious to the listener. I think this recording benefits from having the musicians most familiar with the work performing.
The strong connections between the musicians and the music make this an important document. If you want to hear Harold Meltzer's music as it was meant to be performed, I'd start here.
Harold Meltzer: Songs and Structures
Paul Appleby, tenor; Natalia Katyukova, piano; Avalon String Quartet; Miranda Cuckson, violin; Blair McMillen, piano
Bridge Records 9513
