WARRIOR MONKS

CARL VOLLRATH

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

WARRIOR MONKS is a collection of two clarinet concerti and a trumpet concerto by Carl Vollrath that span topics of war, solace, fascination, and reverence among many others. “And Bugles Sang” drew inspiration from the unique juxtapositions in Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem” and explores the many ways the trumpet is used as a symbol throughout human history. At times the trumpet is brash and lyrical, expressing ecstasy; in other instances it is strident and rhythmic perhaps reflecting charges into battle; and yet in an instant it reappears low and mellow in what could be heard as a faux-lullaby. The virtuosity in this piece is not to be understated.

 

The next two concerti were inspired by a trip Vollrath took to China and his powerful impression of “a complex culture which contained an old traditional heritage with a new contemporary injection.” He expresses this fusion especially in “Land of Lanterns” in which he uses various layers of melodies to create rich harmonies and active polyphony; the moments in which the solo clarinet returns to a pure pentatonic are especially poignant.

 

“Dragon Land” further explores Vollrath’s time in China, approaching his experience with a heightened sense of drama. Angular clarinet melodies, quick dynamic changes, and flashes of folk melodies present vignettes that reflect a society where ancient practices and modern influences coexist, at times in discord and at times in harmony. Coincidentally, the final movement of this piece was inspired by warrior monks and became the impetus for the album.

 

A warrior monk is a person trained deeply in both spiritual studies and martial arts; they are engrained with a vast knowledge of their culture and entrust that heritage to the pupils they train. At the same time, they are equipped with the skills to defend it at all costs. This duality inspired Vollrath to create this collection of works, dedicated to those who strive to cultivate acceptance and respect for other cultures. Moreover, it is dedicated to the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives to do so.

 

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HIGHLIGHTS

 

This is Carl Vollrath’s fourth release on Navona Records.

 

The title And Bugles Sang comes from one of the poems used in Britten’s “War Requiem.”

 

Land of Lanterns was written in response to what Vollrath felt was left unsaid in Dragon Land.

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CREDITS

 

Dragon Land recorded June 22, 2016 at Reduta Hall in Olomouc CZ

Recording Session Producer  Vít Mužík

Recording Session Engineer  Aleš Dvořák, Jan Košulič

 

The Land Of Lanterns recorded November 25, 2016 at Reduta Hall in Olomouc CZ

Recording Session Producer  Pavel Kuncar

Recording Session Engineer  Aleš Dvořák

 

And Bugles Sang recorded April 1, 2017 at Reduta Hall in Olomouc CZ

Recording Session Producer  Vít Mužík

Recording Session Engineer  Aleš Dvořák

Recording Assistant Lili Ma

 

Photo of Carl Vollrath by Troy University

 

My gratitude to Chancellor Jack Hawkins bringing to this campus an international

environment in the heart of very red state.

 

Executive Producer  Bob Lord

Executive A&R  Sam Renshaw

Audio Director  Jeff LeRoy

Recording Sessions Manager Levi Brown

Editing, Mixing & Mastering Lucas Paquette,

Levi Brown, Shaun Michaud

Design & Marketing Director  Brett Picknell

Design Ryan Harrison

 

Release Date: September 8, 2017

Catalog #: NV6102

 

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TRACK INFO

 

Dragon Land

Moravian Philharmonia Wind & Percussion Ensemble | Petr Vronský conductor

Aleš Janeček clarinet

01 I. The Last Emperor’s PalacE

02 II. Summer Palace

03 III. The Warrior Monk

 

THE Land of Lanterns

Moravian Philharmonia Wind & Percussion Ensemble |

Stanislav Vavřínek conductor

Aleš Janeček clarinet

04  I.

05  II.

 

And Bugles Sang

Moravian Philharmonia Wind & Percussion Ensemble | Petr Vronský conductor

Ondřej Jurčeka trumpet

06  Part I. The Birth of a Warrior Monk

07  Part II. & III. Forgotten Graves & Tales of an Aged Warrior Monk

 

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ALSO ON NAVONA RECORDS

 

THREE PASTELS (NV6039)

Carl Vollrath