American Avant-Garde in the 20th Century / Various

2014 two CD collection, a comprehensive overview of THE AMERICAN AVANT-GARDE IN THE 20th CENTURY. Commencing with early pioneers Charles Ives and George Antheil (including the celebrated, Futuristic Ballet Mechanique of 1924), this chronological collection also includes pieces by emigre arrivals in the New World such as Leo Ornstein, Dane Rudhyar and Edgard Varese, as well homegrown composers including Henry Cowell, Carl Ruggles and Roger Sessions. The second half of the disc offers works by a number of even more modern modernists, notably Morton Feldman, Harry Partch and the immortal John Cage, whose groundbreaking Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano is presented in it's entirety. With a generous playing time of 140 minutes, this fascinating set contains an illustrated booklet with detailed historical notes.