26 Little Deaths

It is worth reading a little about this release by composer, singer, and violinist Carla Kihlstedt before hearing it. The 26 Little Deaths are based on the 1963 Edward Gorey book The Gashlycrumb Tinies ("After the Outing"), recounting the ghastly deaths of 26 children in alphabetical form. Kihlstedt retains the alphabet but adds text of her own and others to Goreys concise originals. Both the texts and the music are very much in the Gorey spirit, and it is likely that the album will be enjoyed by any fan of Goreys. Kihlstedt sings and plays the violin at the head of the Present Music chamber ensemble, which also has a conductor. It is, interestingly, not the first group to perform this music, suggesting that the piece is off to a good start. What makes it work is that she incorporates a large number of styles, ranging from blues and ragtime through various forms of popular song, into avant-garde experiments. Her variety of styles matches Goreys humor, which is based on shifting frames of reference. Try "L-Pica," with percussion music depicting the swallowing of tacks, for an idea of how the music meets the texts. The playing here is precise, cognizant of the humor but never overdoing it. Many listeners, not only those who like avant-garde music, will enjoy Kihlstedts work, and who knows, ones kids may enjoy it as well. ~ James Manheim