John Casken's album "Casken: Darting the Skiff, Maharal Dreaming, Cello Concerto & Vaganza" is a captivating journey through the world of contemporary classical music. Released on April 1, 2012, under NMC Recordings, this album showcases Casken's exceptional compositional skills and his ability to create evocative and engaging musical landscapes.
The album features a diverse range of works, each with its own unique character and charm. "Darting the Skiff" and "Maharal Dreaming" are shorter, more introspective pieces that highlight Casken's talent for creating atmosphere and mood. The Cello Concerto, a four-movement work, is a testament to Casken's ability to write for solo instruments, with each movement offering a different facet of the cello's expressive range. The final work on the album, "Vaganza," is a six-movement suite that is both playful and profound, showcasing Casken's ability to blend humor and seriousness in his music.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen. Whether you're a fan of contemporary classical music or simply looking to explore new musical territory, John Casken's "Casken: Darting the Skiff, Maharal Dreaming, Cello Concerto & Vaganza" is sure to impress and delight.