• MS1261 Sample

"This double disc of music by Pennsylvania-based composer and educator Curt Cacioppo delivers something different [which is] interesting in itself, and indeed this release might make a good discussion topic for college classes involving music and culture...  the performances...are integrated and communicate a unified musical vision. Among releases of contemporary music, this one is an unusually good conversation starter."

All Music - October 2008

"Two other string ensembles that I've listened to with pleasure lately are the Moscow and American string quartets, performing music by the American composer Curt Cacioppo... This new recording is made up of viscerally and intellectually stimulating compositions influenced in subtle ways by Navajo, Hopi, and other Native American music. Cacioppo has a unique creative voice that deserves to be heard."

Time Out - June 2008

Coyoteway is an outgrowth of my study of the Navajo healing ceremony of the same name. It is one of four quartets that form a cycle based on episodes from the Navajo creation story, and it is dedicated to Navajo elder and spiritual leader John Co'ií Cook.

The Ancestors is both inspired by a Charles Stegeman painting of the same title, and by the myriad associations that it conjured up, especially the many Native American overtones that resonated around and within me throughout my childhood years.

A Distant Voice Calling is another one of my Navajo quartets. Its title refers to Talking God, who calls forth the world’s inhabitants as he advances from the East, bringing wisdom, medicine, ceremony and life for future generations.

Snake Dance refers to Hopi kachinas and ceremony, and reflects my acquaintance with music and culture of other tribes as well. It was inspired also by Indian art (Jerome Tiger paintings, for example) and the sound of gourd rattles used in the plaza dances.

Full recorded composer commentaries featured on each disc.

* * *

Curt Cacioppo (b. 1951) pursues a varied career as composer, pianist and teacher. Much of his work reflects his interest in Native American studies, while his European travels have inspired an equal creative response. He studied with Leon Kirchner, and found among other mentors ethnomusicologist David McAllester. He performs internationally, and offers a course called "Native American Music and Belief" at Haverford College.

http://curtcacioppo.com

CD1

COYOTEWAY (Ma' iijí hatáál) (2006)
Emanations from the underworld; Incantation; Hogan Dance; The Swallows’ Colloquy; Shawl Dance; Coyote's Leap; Fire Dance; Fortyniner (Round Dance)

World Premiere Performance

THE ANCESTORS (2000)
Berceuse; Scherzo; Interlude;
Scherzo; Barcarolle

Inaugural Preview Performance
 

CD2

A DISTANT VOICE CALLING
(Nílch'i dine'é) (2002)
Fantasia; Ode; Scherzo; Finale: Rondo

World Premiere Performance

SNAKE DANCE
(Coyóhim Katsina) (1985)