Harangue I is a collection of electro-acoustic pieces put together by the Canadian label Earsay Productions (it was its first release). Composers come from Canada, Argentina, Italy, and New Zealand. Two pieces stand out upon first listen: Hildegard Westerkamp's environmental work "Talking Rain" and Susan Frykberg's "Astonishing Sense of Being Taken Over By Something Far Greater Than Me." The latter is a breathtaking work based on comments made by the composer's sister after giving birth. The piece is built on contractions and expansions of sound interacting with violinist Nancy DiNovo. A stunning ode to maternity, Frykberg's piece alone is worth this CD.
Andrew Czink contributes an eerie work where ghost voices sing in Greek. In comparison to the aforementioned pieces, Giorgio Magnanensi's "Sere" feels repetitive, weak, and bland. Other contributors are
Damian Keller and
John Oliver. ~ François Couture