Metamorphoses
Willy Schwarz came into public view primarily through his work withTom Waits, playing an assortment of instruments. In the '90s, while based in Chicago, Schwarz created a range of scores and compositions for that city's rich theater scene.Metamorphosesoffers music by Schwarz for the Tony Award-nominated play of the same name, directed by Mary Zimmerman, as well as music for two other plays she directed,The OdysseyandThe Baltimore Waltz. The moods and textures vary, taking their cues from around the world and deep into ancient history. There are pieces evoking ancient Rome and others that call forth 19th and 20th century European cabaret traditions. What it all has in common is a deft use of familiar and exotic instruments. For the most part, eschewing synthesized near-equivalents, Schwarz celebrates the resonant life of real instruments and their shimmering tonalities. From simple solo violin passages (as in "Orpheus Turns") to accordion and bell duets ("Separation"), this all springs to dramatic life.--David Greenberger