Applebaum, Mark – “Sock Monkey ” – [Innova/American Composers]

Applebaum is Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at Stanford University. This CD is a collection of chamber and orchestral works performed by a number of fine ensembles, many of them local such as sfSound and the Stanford Symphony Orchestra.

Of interest (to me) is track 6 (???Variations on Variations on a theme by Mozart???) which is based on ???12 Variations on ???Twinkle, twinkle’ (Ah, vous dirai-je, maman, K 265)” and is played on 18 prepared pianos! ???Sock Monkey??? was inspired by Applebaum???s little daughter???s toy.

Very interesting, well played, frequently goofy and fun.