Gardening at Gropius House

Rejecting European modernism in the head modernist’s own backyard.  And imagining the world without a nose.  These are the points of departure for Neil Rolnick’s new CD, Gardening At Gropius House.  And though the topics sound serious, the music is joyful and uplifting, infused with grooves and sticky melodies, with exuberant and virtuosic writing all around. In a recent feature on Rolnick at NewMusicBox.com, Frank Oteri said “over 30 years he has helped to create a much changed musical landscape in the United States.”  Gardening At Gropius House and Anosmia keep pushing those changes.  The title piece, a concerto for violin, computer and ensemble, features the irrepressible Todd Reynolds with members of Alarm Will Sound, conducted by Alan Pierson.  The second piece, Anosmia, is a monodrama for three singers (Andy Osmia and the 2 Scents), computer and ensemble, featuring baritone Daniel Cilli and the New Music Ensemble of the San Francisco Conservatory, conducted by Nicole Paiement. Give it a sniff.