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Morton Subotnick
The Wild Beasts - Landmark Recordings

Compil. DE 2015 on WERGO label
Electronic and Classical (Contemporary, Experimental, Musique Concrète)

WERGO Records has re-released a collection of landmark recordings by legendary electro-acoustic composer Morton Subotnick. “The Wild Beasts” (WER 73112) features two of his groundbreaking compositions for instruments and “ghost electronics”: After The Butterfly for trumpet, instrumental ensemble and electronic ghost score, and the eponymous The Wild Beasts for trombone, piano, and ghost electronics. The recordings were originally released as vinyl LP’s in 1980/1981 on the Nonesuch Records label. After the Butterfly for trumpet, instrumental ensemble and electronic ghost score (1979) After the Butterfly is a concerto-like work for trumpet and an ensemble of seven instruments composed in 1979. In this recording, Mario Guarneri is soloist with an ensemble conducted by Subotnick. The piece is among his earlier works that incorporate “ghost electronics”, technology that allows for real-time processing and manipulation of amplified acoustic instruments in live performance. Independent layers of sound material are subjected to these manipulations, creating complex sonic textures of varying intensities throughout the work. The Wild Beasts for trombone, piano and ghost electronics (1978) Written in 1978, The Wild Beasts was commissioned by trombonist Miles Anderson and premiered in Valencia, California with pianist Virko Baley that same year. Originally inspired by Les Fauves paintings, The Wild Beasts seeks to create “atmospheres” through gradually transforming sound palettes. The trombonist is required to perform several extended techniques, in addition to the manipulation of ghost electronics, creating an otherworldly sonic atmosphere that unfolds throughout the 27-minute work.

Musicians

	Morton Subotnick voc, syn, *1933 US album by, conductor
	Alan Bartholomew , cello
	Dane Little vc, US cello
	James D. Rohrig , clarinet
	William Powell , clarinet
	M.B. Gordy perc, US percussion
	Jay Bulen , trombone
	Toby Holmes tb, eb, trombone
	Mario Guarneri tr, US trumpet
	Virko Baley p, *1938 UA piano
	Miles Anderson tb, *1937 US trombone

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