Carson Cooman – Liminal
The centrepiece of this triptych of related works is the significant and rich Fourth Symphony, for orchestra and two harps (one of which is tuned down a quarter tone). Its mood fits the title, ‘Liminal’ meaning ‘on the edge of major change’ which is how our world feels most of the time. As with all of Cooman’s work, these pieces are totally accessible, not avant-garde, but explore many modern techniques to produce such effective expression of ideas.
Track Listing
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Carson Cooman:
- Shoreline Rune, Op. 1083 (4:56)
- Symphony No. 4 ("Liminal"), Op. 1068 (23:39)
- Prism, Op. 522 (7:25)
Reviews
“Carson Cooman is a composer with a fine technique and something important to say; I’m particularly impressed by the depth of feeling in the music and the absolutely convincing sense of formal unfolding and proportion. The performances and sound are excellent. I hope to hear more of Cooman’s music.
” —Rob Haskins
“Carson Cooman is a composer of great output and special sensibilities. [TheSymphony] is a work of great strength, deserving a hearing as a pinpoint symphonic work of our time. The music is most definitely an experience not to miss. Highly recommended.
” —Grego Edwards
“A very enticing mini-album… [The Symphony] is a very fine work indeed, beautifully played by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra under Kirk Trevor. This is an impressive line-up of works that receive excellent recordings. There are useful booklet notes from the composer.
” —Bruce Reader
“Both of these works [Shoreline Rune and Symphony no. 4] are quite different from anything I’ve heard from this composer (and by now, I have a good half dozen discs of his music), and make a very strong impression. Indeed, these are the most original (if you will) pieces I’ve heard from his pen…this disc is well worth picking up. The three works offered here are three of my favorites among Cooman’s compositions.
” —David DeBoor Canfield
“Considerable interest and inspirational provenance… strongly recommended.
” —Robert Matthew-Walker
“After living with [the Symphony] now over the last four weeks or so, I cannot shake its grip on me. I’ve listened to it so many times now that I can literally replay most of it in my head while at work. That’s quite the feat when you take into consideration the fact that it doesn’t really contain much in the way of cyclical melodies or motifs. Its nebulous atmosphere is what pulls you in. The musical process of this work is very organic, elemental and primitive, as nature slowly changing would be. The two other works on this recording certainly bookend the symphony very well, mak[ing] you ponder the contemplative state of mind, possibly liminal state, left behind by the symphony.
” —Jean-Yves Duperron
“This CD is well-presented with an attractive inset. The programme notes are informative and well-written. The sound quality of the recording is notable, the playing superb. Carson Cooman’s music is beautiful, inspiring and seductive in equal measure. The three works on this CD are charged with wonder, mystery and a deep sense of engagement with the world of nature and society.
” —John France
“This is thoroughly modern music, and Cooman has created three atmospheric pieces that are both tranquil (mostly) but also thought-provoking.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“These pieces are totally accessible, not avant-garde, but explore many modern techniques to produce such effective expression of ideas. The centrepiece of this triptych of related works is the significant and rich Fourth Symphony. Its mood fits the title, ‘Liminal’ meaning ‘on the edge of major change’, The excellent Slovak National Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Kirk Trevor.
” —John Pitt
