HOMAGE
by Marcus Eley
FOR YOUR
GRAMMY® CONSIDERATION
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
Best Classical Compendium
Immersive Audio Album
Contemporary Classical Composition
ABOUT HOMAGE
HOMAGE is a tribute to the rich legacy of African American composers, meticulously curated by clarinetist Marcus Eley. Featuring world premiere recordings of works by Alvin Batiste, Earl Louis Stewart, and John Duncan, alongside selections from Trevor Weston's Griot Legacies, this album offers a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of American music. From the soulful rhythms of Batiste to the tender introspection of Herbert Franklin Mells, each composition honors the contributions of these trailblazing composers who have left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. HOMAGE features the Music Alive Ensemble and Lyris Quartet alongside Eley's soul-stirring renditions, bringing to life the diverse array of musical styles, and inviting listeners on a journey through the heart and soul of American music.
Marcus Eley is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Music in clarinet and studied at the Hochschule fuer Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna, Austria.
Eley has performed as a soloist with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (Germany), the Louisville Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Edmonton (Canada) Wind Sinfonia and the National Army Military Band of the People’s Republic of China (Beijing). He has also given numerous recitals in major cities of the United States. He has participated as guest artist at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. Of his performance, Jeff Brukman of Cue Magazine said, “… consummate artistry. The festival is indeed fortunate to host such a master of the clarinet.”
In 2012, record company Sono Luminus released Mr. Eley’s Compact Disc, titled “But Not Forgotten: Music by African American Composers for Clarinet and Piano.” Lawrence Vittes, CD reviewer for Gramophone magazine said, “(Eley) applies his pure, limpid tone eloquently in music of a varied range of styles.” Steve Arloff, MusicWeb International cites, “… a disc of pure unalloyed joy.” The Listener (Germany), Rainer Aschemeier exclaims, “Wow!’ What a beautiful, varied CD! This CD has succeeded in its well-chosen repertoire, as well as interpretation and sound.” “Marcus Eley knows when and how to make the clarinet charm, dance, sing and cry. – Jean Yves Dupperon, Classical Music Sentinel.
Eley was a guest performer at the Beethovenfest Bonn. Claudia Wallendorf, music critic of the Bonn General Anzeiger said, “(Eley’s) colorful and nuanced clarinet playing . . . was very pleasantly displayed”.
Eley has served as Dean of Students at the New England Conservatory, Assistant (Adjunct) Professor of Music (Clarinet) at California State University Los Angeles and Marketing Projects Specialist/Artist Relations for Rico International.
