Irving Sloane

With acclaimed recordings of the Symphonies and selected orchestral works, Cpo has gone some way in demonstrating this American composer was one of the twentieth century’s most important composers. Antheil wrote his one act opera The Brothers in 1954. The libretto, penned by Antheil himself, drew on the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Its setting is the working-class world of post-war America, and the four men and one woman presented by Antheil on stage are all damaged and traumatized.

This is one of Carol Sloane's finest recordings. Having developed into a superb interpreter of lyrics who always swings, Sloane works closely with pianist Bill Charlap (who is sometimes joined by bassist Steve Gilmore, drummer Ron Vincent, and guitarist Howard Alden) on a variety of haunting ballads and an occasional romp. Her rendition of "Something Cool" ranks with June Christy's (Sloane really sounds purposely pitiful); "I Didn't Know About You" and "I Was Telling Him About You" are quite expressive, and Sloane brings a happier mood to "Give Me the Simple Life" and "Tulip or Turnip."

Following the release of several operas by Franz Schreker during past years on cpo (some of them in premiere recordings), our label now turns to the orchestral works of a man who in some circles continues to be dismissed as a mere 'sound magician', even though he was a melodist and harmonist of the first water and had learned his craft so thoroughly at the Vienna Conservatory that he himself became a sought-after teacher. The present program traces Schrekers path from his studies with Robert Fuchs to his first enduring success the captivating pantomime The Birthday of the Infanta (1908) after the fairy tale by Oscar Wilde, which definitely numbers among the finest creations of the musical art nouveau.

Carol Sloane's Romantic Ellington lives up to the title's promise, collecting some of Duke Ellington's most romantic songs, including "Come Sunday," "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing," "Prelude to a Kiss," "In My Solitude," "Lush Life" and "Tonight I Shall Sleep." Sloane's vocals are both sultry and accomplished, completing the album's aura of worthiness.

Following the release of several operas by Franz Schreker during past years on cpo (some of them in premiere recordings), our label now turns to the orchestral works of a man who in some circles continues to be dismissed as a mere 'sound magician', even though he was a melodist and harmonist of the first water and had learned his craft so thoroughly at the Vienna Conservatory that he himself became a sought-after teacher. The present program traces Schrekers path from his studies with Robert Fuchs to his first enduring success the captivating pantomime The Birthday of the Infanta (1908) after the fairy tale by Oscar Wilde, which definitely numbers among the finest creations of the musical art nouveau.