Exhortations: Music of Andrew Earle Simpson

On this CD:

1. Summer-Night Songs, for soprano saxophone & harp
Composed by Andrew Earle Simpson

2. Exhortation 1, for alto saxophone
Composed by Andrew Earle Simpson

3. Exhortation 2, for oboe
Composed by Andrew Earle Simpson
Performed by Nancy Ambrose King

4. Exhortation 3, for double bass
Composed by Andrew Earle Simpson
Performed by Michael Cameron

5. Chamber Concerto, for flute, clarinet,violin, cello & percussion
Composed by Andrew Earle Simpson
Performed by Mathias Wexier

Customer Reviews:

exhortations of boredom.......2000-07-25

The solo repetoire for many instruments is sparce, limiting the players to a few stock pieces or borderline sacreligious transcriptions of pieces never intended for that instrument. Andy Simpson should be commended for expanding this medium. He should not, however, be commended a)any more than any other degree-holding, aspiring composer, or certainly, b)for the quality of the pieces displayed on this recording. Over the course of the recording, Simpson forsakes musicality and intelligent compositional technique, and replaces these with "special effects" and flashy displays, which only come off because he was able to get some of the finer virtuosos on each instrument to perform for him. The CD struck me as derivative, uninspired, and unintelligent. In his defense, Simpson has a few good ideas here and there, and seems to have a developing ear for color. I would not be surprised if, after a few years to mature, he developed into a fine composer.

Unpleasant Echortations.......2000-01-05

I am a lover of modern music. Stravinsky, Webern, Messiaen, etc. I purchased this CD with the hopes of discovering another contemporary composer to add to my collection, but I was heartily disappointed by the music on this disc. Much of it sounds like Alban Berg in its romantic-style atonality, but it lacks the emotional intensity found in Berg's works. The special effects, which Mr. Simpson seems quite excited about in his own review of the work at Amazon.com are interesting, but I find instrumental effects to be overdone ever since George Crumb, and the effects in the Exhortation for oboe are actually quite unpleasant to listen to. The other works on the disc are derivative and uninteresting. All in all, I would only recommend this CD to those who wish to help keep contemporary music alive by supporting young composers, not for anyone seeking musical enjoyment.

Fascinating disc of new music.......1999-08-15

I am a music lover, but not a musician. I do try to be open to everything, but have always tended to avoid new music. Like others, I've always thought of contemporary music as "wierd," or "ugly." But a friend recommended this CD to me, and I must say that I am amazed at what I heard. The music, by a composer named Andrew Simpson, is accessible and interesting...there are some really cool sounds and effects, such as in the first piece, called "Summer-Night Songs." The strange combination of saxophone and harp works very well, I think. Three pieces are for a solo instrument, of which the bass piece, "Exhortation III," seemed the most "out there." But my favorite was the "Chamber Concerto." It is energetic, very driving and rhythmic, and even has a couple of memorable tunes. Restores my faith in modern music! Highly recommended.

Refreshingly original solo and chamber music.......1999-07-05

Simpson's music is refreshingly original. "Exhortations" provides some welcome additions to the repertoire of instruments which are featured perhaps less often than they should be on the contemporary music scene. "Exhortation III," for double bass solo, is perhaps the most venturesome of the solo pieces, and Cameron's playing is exhilarating. He manages to execute cleanly passages which push the very limits of the instrument. "Summer-Night Songs" is the CD's most tuneful piece. A duo for soprano sax and harp, it depicts a summery evening interrupted by a passing rainstorm. The unusual combination of instruments, motivated by the desires of the piece's performers, works magnificently because of Simpson's thoughtful scoring and some truly excellent playing. This piece in particular makes superb late-evening listening. "Chamber Concerto," the CD's finale piece, scored for fl, cl, vl, vc, pn, and percussion, is one of Simpson's best-known works, and has received performances from Indiana to New York to Florida. A virtuoso chamber work for all of the instruments involved, "Chamber Concerto" establishes a level of excitement at the opening that is sustained straight through to the end of the piece. A quiet middle movement featuring flute and percussion provides a welcome, palate-cleansing contrast to the driving motion of the outer movements. Simpson's music is enjoying ever-growing recognition in the Washington, DC area, where he lives and teaches, and throughout the country. I first knew him at the Indiana University School of Music, where he was working on a doctorate. His "Chamber Concerto" was the first piece of his that I heard, and his subsequent work has only proven more intriguing and equally enjoyable. Watch out for this composer, folks--he's going to be big news.

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