Reich: New York Counterpoint / Mellits: Black Julian Bliss

• Steve Reich (b. 1936): New York Counterpoint:
• 1New York Counterpoint: I04:47
• 2New York Counterpoint: II02:35
• 3New York Counterpoint: III03:32
• Marc Mellits (b. 1966):
• 4Black04:33
• Total Runtime15:27

Info for Reich: New York Counterpoint / Mellits: Black

Julian Bliss joins in this year’s 80th birthday celebrations of the iconic American composer Steve Reich with a digital release of his minimalist masterpiece New York Counterpoint. Bliss performs all 12 parts on this new multitrack recording.

The work is paired with a composition by fellow American composer Marc Mellits - a new arrangement of his piece 'Black' for two clarinets and bass clarinets, also performed entirely by Julian Bliss. Considered a protégé of Reich, Marc Mellits’s unique musical style has been described as an eclectic combination of driving rhythms, soaring lyricism, and colorful orchestrations that all combine to communicate directly with the listener.

Julian Bliss, clarinet

Julian Bliss
is one of the world’s finest clarinettists excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist, masterclass leader and tireless musical explorer. He has inspired a generation of young players as guest lecturer and creator of his Leblanc Bliss range of affordable clarinets, and introduced a substantial new audience to his instrument. Born in the U.K., Julian started playing the clarinet age 4, going on to study in the U.S. at the University of Indiana and in Germany under Sabine Meyer. The breadth and depth of his artistry are reflected in the diversity and distinction of his work. In recital and chamber music he has played at most of the world’s leading festivals and venues including Gstaad, Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Verbier, Wigmore Hall (London) and Lincoln Center (New York). As soloist, current performances include concerts with the Sao Paolo Symphony, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Paris, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia and London Philharmonic. In 2012 he established the Julian Bliss Septet, creating programmes inspired by King of Swing, Benny Goodman, and Latin music from Brazil and Cuba that have gone on to be performed to packed houses in festivals, Ronnie Scott’s (London), the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) and across the U.S. Recent album releases receiving rave reviews from critics, album of the week spots and media attention, include his recording of Mozart and Nielsen’s Concertos with the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Recent chamber discs include a new piece for clarinet & string quartet by David Bruce – Gumboots – inspired by the gumboot dancing of miners in South Africa, and a recital album of Russian and French composers with American pianist, Bradley Moore.

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