American Record Guide

I am a latecomer to the music of John McCabe, only after his recent passing in 2016. This record demonstrates the wide-ranging influence he had on the musical community.

19 composers have contributed works in his memory, ranging from solo to chamber groups, outwardly lyrical to contrapuntally intricate. Many of them use some kind of musical cipher based on his name, while others include references to the music of Haydn, of whose piano sonatas he was a particular champion. McCabe’s humorous side is celebrated in Dickinson’s rag and Gun¬ning’s ‘Danse des Fourmis’ (Dance of the Ants), each for all four instruments.

There are far too many pieces to cover in one review, so I will note my favorites. The elegiac [piece by Ellerby] is a beautiful, lyrical nocturne for viola and piano. Gregson’s ‘John’s Farewell’ for recorder and piano is emotional and expressive, with a strik¬ing performance from Turner. ‘The Flame Has Ceased’ (Gilbert) warrants special mention, for its thoughtful exploration of McCabe’s stylistic development.

—Nathan Faro