George Crumb - Songs, Drones, And Refrains Of Death / Quest (rec. 2004, rel. 2006)

This was originally planned as Monday's post - now it follows Scott Walker quite well.  Wonder if Crumb was an influence on his late career?  The unsettling structure of the main work here, composed from 1962-68, seemingly chaotic but meticulously planned, with both eerie and violent dynamics, definitely makes it an interesting comparison. 

Adopting words from Federico Garcia Lorca, as on 1969's Night Of The Four Moons, each 'song' is indeed preceded by a refrain and then incorporates a 'death drone'.  The instrumentation of electric guitar, amplified bass/piano/harpsichord and percussion is used sparingly, almost minimalistically, for maximum effect.

The other work on this fine recording from 2004 is a rendition of Quest (1994) for percussion, harp, bass, saxophone and guitar.  Again, Crumb writes with disquieting restraint, as the various instruments and melodic fragments (including bits of 'Amazing Grace') waft in and out of the ghostly silence.  A live recording of Quest was previously posted here.

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