Twin Suspension
Featured on Extreme Measures II
A work commissioned and recorded by two of the most venerated musicians in their fields.
"Kopperud...boasts a wide dynamic spectrum, ranging from the hushed sub-tone to the growing chalumeau and the shrieking altissimo. She also renders with great confidence the requested extended techniques..."
– American Record Guide
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Title Composer
Throat Mathew Rosenblum
X-Asti Yiorgos Vassilandonakis
Twin Suspension John Aylward
wills & wonts Jeff Stadelman
Evocations Louis Karchin
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Jean Kopperud, clarinet
Tom Kolor, percussion
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The second volume of Jean Kopperud’s Rated X series presents five bold new works for clarinet and percussion, each commissioned specifically for the project. Kopperud challenged the composers to push boundaries and expand the expressive possibilities of the medium, resulting in a collection that is daring, inventive, and uncompromising.
Renowned for her extraordinary technical and interpretive abilities, Kopperud has built an international career as both soloist and chamber musician. She has toured widely, performing with leading new music ensembles including The New York New Music Ensemble, and has earned national recognition for her groundbreaking work in music‑theater, particularly her acclaimed performances of Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Harlekin.
Joining her is percussionist Tom Kolor, a specialist in contemporary repertoire. Kolor has premiered dozens of works by composers such as Milton Babbitt, John Zorn, Tania León, and Wayne Peterson, and his recordings appear on labels including Bridge, New World, Naxos, and Albany. Together, Kopperud and Kolor bring unmatched virtuosity and commitment to this adventurous program.
Both artists serve on the faculty of the University of Buffalo, where they continue to shape the next generation of performers. The Rated X series follows Kopperud’s earlier release Extreme Measures I, a two‑CD set featuring commissioned works for clarinet and piano.
