SUBOTNICK: “THE KEY TO SONGS”, “RETURN.” California...

SUBOTNICK: “THE KEY TO SONGS”, “RETURN.” California E.A.R. Unit. New Albion NA012 (compact disc). Both these recent Subotnick works derive their inspiration from external events. “The Key to Songs” takes its portentous, mordant tone from Max Ernst’s novel, “A Week of Goodness,” and blends electronics and conventional instruments (viola, cello, piano, percussion) into a propulsive fantasy in which Subotnick ingeniously narrows the perceptible distinction between live and synthesized sounds. The witty “Return” originated in the reappearance of Halley’s comet in 1985. Realized on the Yamaha Computer Assisted Music System, this piece achieves a new plateau of electronic wit as he extends the dynamic range and incorporates plain-chant and Scarlatti sonatas. Excellent sound.