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Wind, Water, Clouds and Fire

Present Music, Kevin Stalheim – principal conductor People were wryly amused when Henry Brant tongue-in-cheekly remarked upon winning the Pulitzer Prize, in his 88th year, that he was an emerging composer. But Wind, Water, Clouds and Fire composed just two years ago (2004) in his 90th year, shows that this maverick nonagenarian is continuing to… Read more »

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NewMusicBox Staff

Present Music, Kevin Stalheim – principal conductor

People were wryly amused when Henry Brant tongue-in-cheekly remarked upon winning the Pulitzer Prize, in his 88th year, that he was an emerging composer. But Wind, Water, Clouds and Fire composed just two years ago (2004) in his 90th year, shows that this maverick nonagenarian is continuing to develop and explore new compositional terrain. This sprawling 35-minute work for three women’s choruses and ensemble adds unabashed beauty to Brant’s toolbox of techniques and the results make the most compelling case for his spatially-conceived music I have heard yet.

—FJO