Exasperating Perpetuation
John K. Leupold II
OVERVIEW
Delivering a diverse cross-section of dynamically rhythmic and tonally expressive chamber works, composer John K. Leupold II presents his debut release on Ravello Records, EXASPERATING PERPETUATION. Described by the Washington Post as “an imaginative exploration of instrumental timbres,” Leupold’s music seeks to enhance the tonal possibilities of the instruments through the use of tension, personification, and imagery.
The incessant and propelling title track explores how the use of rhythms, timbres, tempos, and dynamics can work together to produce music with tension and irritation. Written for violinist Francis Liu, A Slight Angle to the Universe, is inspired by the poem “Waiting for the Barbarians” by C.P Cafavy, and provides a progressively frantic commentary between two distinct voices. In Charismatic Thaumaturge, each instrument personifies a character, from the high-strung oboe and the boisterous bass trombone to the mediating English horn, which tries to calm the escalating tension between the other two instruments. The album culminates with Envisaging a Supercluster, a piece inspired by the beauty and immensity of the three distinct constellations of the regal and austere Leo, the mysterious Monoceros, and the powerful and stern Taurus.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Washington Post described Leupold’s music as “an imaginative exploration of instrumental timbres and ranges impelled by repetitive melodic figures”
Leupold’s works have been performed by such groups as Inscape Chamber Orchestra, the Left Bank Quartet, and Capital Reeds
Leupold is currently an Assistant Professor of Music at Washington College in Chestertown MD where he teaches music theory, composition, and percussion as well as directs Steel Revolution, Washington College Steel Band
Leupold is an active percussionist, currently performing with the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra and the Anne Arundel Community College Orchestra
ALSO ON RAVELLO RECORDS
Release Date: April 8, 2016
Catalog #: RR7931
TRACK LISTING
1 Exasperating Perpetuation
Members of Inscape Chamber Orchestra
Sarah D’Angelo, violin; Evan Solomon, clarinet; Natalie Spehar, cello;
R. Timothy McReynolds, piano
2 A Slight Angle to the Universe: Waiting for the Barbarians
Text by C.P. Cavafy
Francis Liu, violin and narration
3 Charismatic Thaumaturge
Noelle Drewes, oboe and English horn; Zac Hollister, bass trombone
4 Envisaging a Supercluster
Dan Shomper, cello; Grace Eun Hae Kim, piano
CREDITS
Exasperating Perpetuation
Recorded at Sono Luminus in Boyce VA
Session Producer Dan Merceruio
Session Engineer Daniel Shores
A Slight Angle to the Universe: Waiting for the Barbarians
Recorded at Bias Studios in Springfield VA
Recording Engineer Bob Dawson
Charismatic Thaumaturge
Recorded at Bias Studios in Springfield VA
Recording Engineer Bob Dawson
Envisaging a Supercluster
Recorded at Bias Studios in Springfield VA
Recording Engineer Bob Dawson
All tracks mastered by Daniel Shores
at Sono Luminus in Boyce VA
Album cover concept Michael Morel
Executive Producer Bob Lord
Audio Director Jeff LeRoy
Production Engineer Nate Hunter
Art & Production Director Brett Picknell
Graphic Designer Ryan Harrison, Emily Roulo
A&R Alex Bourne
Marketing Specialist Morgan MacLeod
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Ravello Records is the contemporary classical label imprint of audio production house PARMA Recordings. Dedicated to highlighting forward thinking composers and musicians from around the world, the New England-based label's eclectic catalog offers listeners a cross-section of today's up-and-coming innovators in orchestral, chamber, and experimental music.
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