Darryl Brenzel (Saxophone, Arranger)/Mobtown Modern Big Band: The Re-(W)rite of Spring

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Audio Samples

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Introduction, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Dances of the Young Girls, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Ritual of Abduction, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Spring Rounds, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Ritual of the Rival Tribes, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Procession of the Sage, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. The Sage, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Dance of the Earth, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Introduction, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Mystic Circle of the Young Girls, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Glorification of the Chosen One, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Evocation of the Ancestors, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Ritual Action of the Ancestors, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Sacrificial Dance, The (The Chosen One)

Track List

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Introduction, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Dances of the Young Girls, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Ritual of Abduction, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Spring Rounds, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Ritual of the Rival Tribes, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Procession of the Sage, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. The Sage, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part One. Adoration of the Earth. Dance of the Earth, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Introduction, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Mystic Circle of the Young Girls, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Glorification of the Chosen One, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Evocation of the Ancestors, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Ritual Action of the Ancestors, The

ReWrite of Spring: Part Two. The Sacrifice. Sacrificial Dance, The (The Chosen One)

Album Remarks & Appraisals:

When Mobtown Modern Music Series curator Brian Sacawa invited Darryl Brenzel to adapt Igor Stravinsky's radical orchestral ballet "The Rite of Spring" for a modern 17-piece jazz big band, no one really knew what was going to happen. There were, after all, riots at the piece's 1913 Paris premiere. Fortunately, when Brenzel's creation was unveiled at Baltimore's Metro Gallery on May 12, 2010, the audience kept to their seats in rapt attention, consumed by a work as boldly unconventional as Stravinsky's original.

Album Notes

Audio Mixer: Mark McLaughlin.

Liner Note Author: Darryl Brenzel .

Recording information: Metro Gallery, Baltimore, Maryland (05/12/2010).

Photographer: Robert McIver Jr.

A number of jazz arrangers have been drawn to major classical works to reshape them into something that retains the essence of the original works yet introduces variations and improvisation. The challenge is for the interpreter to create a compelling, memorable adaptation, not usually an easy task. Darryl Brenzel chose one of the most demanding works of the 20th century, Igor Stravinsky's ballet "The Rite of Spring," then added an additional twist, recording it live in front of an audience during its premiere performance in 2010 at the Metro Gallery in Baltimore, Maryland, which took place about a month after he completed his work. The Baltimore musicians who make up the Mobtown Modern Big Band give their all throughout this concert, which successfully blends elements of its original score with Brenzel's new conception, though it stretches out a good deal longer than original ballet, clocking in at around 74 minutes. Anyone who is familiar with the orchestra setting of "The Rite of Spring" and has an open mind about reworking classical music will find much to enjoy in "The Re-(W)Rite of Spring." The solos are usually fairly brief, with more emphasis on the colorful ensembles. Unlike Stravinsky's premiere performance of "The Rite of Spring," with loud protests from the audience about this dissonant, groundbreaking music, Brenzel's audience obviously appreciates the mastery of the arranger's new take on the nearly century-old ballet. One question remains: will this be a one-time performance or something that future jazz orchestras perform in concert? ~ Ken Dryden

Reviews

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