John Corigliano Libri

The book features new musical settings of seven poems by Bob Dylan, commissioned for soprano Sylvia McNair's recital at Carnegie Hall. Premiered in March 2002, these compositions by Corigliano reinterpret iconic pieces of 1960s American folk music, showcasing a fresh artistic perspective on Dylan's work. The collaboration with pianist Martin Katz enhances the experience, blending classical and folk elements in a unique tribute to Dylan’s poetic legacy.

(String). In this piece, influenced by American bluegrass and jazz fiddle styles, the violin's outer strings are tuned to non-standard pitches.

The composition features three distinct movements derived from MIDI-realized improvisations by the composer. It showcases a blend of spontaneity and structured creativity, reflecting the evolution of contemporary piano music. Ursula Oppens premiered the piece in 2009, highlighting its modern approach and innovative use of technology in musical expression.

The composition is a poignant tribute to the composer’s father, a former concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic. It features an extended dialogue between clarinet and violin, starting with a solo violin line that evokes desolation. The piece maintains a consistent mood without a climactic moment, emphasizing sustained lyricism. It alternates between two melodic ideas introduced by the violin and clarinet, with a recurring three-note motto that ties the structure together. The work concludes as it began, with the violin line, now harmonized by the clarinet.

The lyrical concerto features a unique structure of three parts, showcasing a series of free variations based on an original troubadour-inspired melody. Originally composed for guitar and chamber orchestra, it blends classical elements with a melodic charm that evokes the spirit of medieval music.

Commissioned for the Cleveland Quartet's final performance in 1995, this innovative work is structured in five movements and showcases the composer’s detailed editorial notes. With a duration of approximately 35 minutes, it offers a unique listening experience that reflects the quartet's Grammy Award-winning legacy.

Combining elements of pulp fiction with contemporary art song, this witty vocal work features text by Mark Adamo and showcases the composer’s unique style, known from his previous work, The Ghosts of Versailles. The piece promises an engaging blend of narrative and musicality, appealing to both fans of innovative vocal compositions and those interested in modern storytelling through song.