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Tetrahedron Dreams
Alexandra Ottaway composer
The New York Virtuoso Singers | Harold Rosenbaum conductor
Drawing from a diverse set of genres and stylistic sources including atonal, folk, chant, dance, and more, Alexandra Ottaway’s solo Navona Records debut TETRAHEDRON DREAMS presents a singular and striking listening experience.
“This release is an indicator of my general return to a more atonally-driven language,” says Ottaway, who began composing in 1980. “I’ve been a performer my whole life, in a variety of settings and ensemble types, and I always try to keep in mind what will be engaging for both audiences and players.”
Idiosyncratic yet focused in its approach and execution, the Merlin Études utilizes Ottaway’s application of serial-atonal technique, taking its twelve-tone row from Messiaen’s flute and piano piece Le Merle Noir.
On Four Choral Pieces and The Zen Sutras, an unconventional and compelling vision of vocal music emerges in performances by the renowned New York Virtuoso Singers and choral conductor Harold Rosenbaum, winner of ASCAP’s Victor Herbert Award (2010) and the American Composer Alliance’s Laurel Leaf Award (2008).
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Artist Information
Alexandra Ottaway
Alexandra Ottaway has worked in different styles of music, from teaching with her NY State (K-12 Vocal) public school license to folk-rock recording, and from singing in A Capella choruses to accompanying bigger ones (adult and student). Her first instrument is piano. Ottaway started composing in 1980 and since 2007 has been revisiting the atonal universe in addition to songwriting. She got her BA in music from The Columbia School of General Studies and an MA in Music Education from NYU. She lives in Western MA with her husband and her cat.
Karolina Rojahn
Karolina Rojahn is a Los Angeles based pianist who has dedicated the last decade of her career to premiering and recording contemporary music repertoire. She has premiered over a hundred new works and collaborated with various classical music labels, most notably Naxos, having released over 43 recordings of chamber and solo piano music, including 5 piano concertos written specifically for her.
