Roger Reynolds - Sanctuary [2 DVDs] - Harmonia Mundi

"Sanctuary" is conceived to be both visually and sonically dramatic. Composed for a spatially distributed ensemble and live electronics, the work makes spectacular use of DVD's surround sound capabilities. "Sanctuary" is intended to evolve with the experience of its creators (composer, performers, and technicians) and conceived so it adapts to the changing resources and contexts within which it is realized. "Sanctuary" continued to evolve as new performances spaces were encountered - new performers added their talents, interpretations emerged, and technologies were employed to realize and document performances. To chronicle this evolution, three very different versions of "Sanctuary" are presented on this specially-priced double DVD set:

1) A complete controlled studio performance which visually focuses on the direct source of the action, allowing the viewer to see details often lost to the audience. Quite different from traditional concert documentation, each camera was given its own "score" notating the primary concerns of camera angle and proximity.

2) A complete live performance from Wahsington, DC's National Gallery of Art, with their percussionists spatially distributed through the Gallery's dramatic interior.

3) Excerpts from the outdoor sunset performance at The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California in its architecturally famous courtyard with a view of the sea - interspersed with commentary from the composer.