The Gnostic Preludes (subtitled Music of Splendor) is an album composed by John Zorn and released on the Tzadik label in March 2012.[1] It was the first album by Carol Emanuel, Bill Frisell, and Kenny Wollesen who became known as The Gnostic Trio.
Reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [2] |
| All About Jazz | favorable[3] |
| Free Jazz Collective |  [4] |
Allmusic said "The Gnostic Preludes is poetic, deceptively simple, and spiritually vast in scope."[2] All About Jazz stated "Gnostic Preludes is an intriguing and seductive recording, with a gentle and contemplative feeling that resonates with emotive power. It combines the feel of ambiance music with lyrical and melodic prowess seldom seen in Zorn's work. As such, it is a moving work well worth surrendering to."[3] Martin Schray commented "Zorn draws his inspiration from philosophical sources as different as the ideas the Kabbalah, natural mysticism or – obviously in this case – Gnosticism, which might have been a reason to establish his series of 21st century mystical music. The Gnostic Preludes tries to integrate all these spiritual influences in a musical way."[4]
Track listing
All compositions by John Zorn
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Prelude 1: The Middle Pillar" | 6:39 |
| 2. | "Prelude 2: The Book of Pleasure" | 6:05 |
| 3. | "Prelude 3: Prelude of Light" | 5:56 |
| 4. | "Prelude 4: Diatesseron" | 4:35 |
| 5. | "Prelude 5: Music of the Spheres" | 8:13 |
| 6. | "Prelude 6: Circumambulation" | 6:33 |
| 7. | "Prelude 7: Sign and Sigil" | 6:22 |
| 8. | "Prelude 8: The Invisibles" | 3:35 |
Personnel
- Carol Emanuel – harp
- Bill Frisell – guitar
- Kenny Wollesen – vibraphone, bells
References
- ^ Tzadik Catalogue: The Gnostic Preludes
- ^ a b Jurek, T. Allmusic Review, accessed November 8, 2013
- ^ a b Georgievski, N., All About Jazz Review, All About Jazz, April 20, 2012
- ^ a b Schray, M. The Free Jazz Collective Review, Free Jazz Collective, March 4, 2013