Search - Scott Steidl, Stephen Steidl, James Sedares :: Swirl; Fire Dreams; Distant Thunder

Steidl, the 21st Century Nostradamus

Jed B. Gorlin | Hopkins, Minnesota USA | 09/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The notes describe the inspiration for "Fire Dreams" as chronicalling his past impressions of "the ever fiery and colorful world of New York City". Clearly, in light of recent events, his words are all too prophetic. Music may heal the recent wounds through ties that bind all humans together. Scott's protean musical forms and rhythms defy toe tapping to the melody, yet entrance the listener through the bright and spirited phrasings.
While these pieces clearly fall into the bailiwick of modern orchestral music, the unconventional rhythms (7/8, 5/8 12/8 meter) remind one of a Dave Brubeck composition. The Basoon, well represented in Distant Thunder, recalls images of the composer as an all State Basoon player who used a contact microphone amplified Bassoon to create a new and novel character for the instrument. Scott's ophthalmologically trained eye creates melodic phrasing admixed with grand and frenzied rhythms. Whether it's tacking a retina or attacking a tocatta, Steidl appears equally nimble in both arenas. Kudos to the composer!"

What dreams may come?

Paul Axelsen | Philadelphia | 08/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fire Dreams is a bravura of fresh sounds that masterfully explores the tonal range and rhythmic repertoire of a fine orchestra, evoking vivid latent images best seen with closed eyes. As the first recorded opus of this composer, it is a brilliant introduction and major contribution to American music. We shouldn't have to go to New ZZZealand to hear it performed! - Paul Axelsen"

Wild Ride through New Zealand

Winston Tory | Baltimore, Maryland United States | 04/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Scott Steidl's `Fire Dreams' contains some of the most dramatic and aurally vivid contemporary classical music recorded. The works are awash in tempestuous waves of varying time signatures, powerful percussive bursts, and energetic instrumentation. Punctuated throughout are moments where fluidic strings and wind instruments provide a rest to the manic momentum. The tempo and sometimes dissident nature of the harmonies effect the listeners metabolism in an internal, physiological manner. Rarely has the full tonal range of the symphony been expressed so emphatically as in the music on this CD. Each piece deserves several hearings to appreciate the level to which dynamics and intricacy have been applied with great success. Fans of contemporary American classical and motion picture soundtrack music should check out Scott Steidl's `Fire Dreams'. -Winston Tory"