Among contemporary composers of orchestral music, Christopher Rouse is a prominent figure, noted for his extremely virtuosic scores as well as for his dark subject matter. Such fantastic -- some might say nightmarish -- pieces as the ultra-violent Gorgon (1984) and the enigmatic Iscariot (1989) are true to form in their evocation of mythology or religion, and even the elegiac Trombone Concerto (1991) has its suggestions of otherworldly things, particularly in its quotation of
Leonard Bernstein's "Kaddish" Symphony and the haunting, dirge-like adaptation of the folk song Tsintskaro at the opening of the third movement. Yet Rouse's music is much more than its allusions, however meaningful, and it's possible to enjoy these works for their raw power and ethereal beauty without knowing anything about their references. The Trombone Concerto is a tour de force for the instrument, particularly in the ferociously fast second movement, and Gorgon is relentless in its savage rhythms and terrifying drive; the outer movements of the concerto and Iscariot provide some of the most profound and moving music Rouse has ever produced. Trombonist
Joseph Alessi and the
Colorado Symphony Orchestra, directed by
Marin Alsop, deliver exciting and technically impeccable performances on this 2007 reissue from Phoenix USA, and the sound quality is exceptionally clear and focused, even in passages where the music is soft and intentionally blurred for effect.