The Gnostic Preludes (subtitled Music of Splendor) is an album composed by John Zorn and released on the Tzadik label in March 2012.[1] It was the first album by Carol Emanuel, Bill Frisell, and Kenny Wollesen who became known as The Gnostic Trio.

The Gnostic Preludes
Studio album by
Released13 March 2012
RecordedDecember 2011
GenreAvant-garde, experimental music
Length47:58
LabelTzadik
ProducerJohn Zorn
John Zorn chronology
Mount Analogue
(2012)
The Gnostic Preludes
(2012)
Pruflas: Book of Angels Volume 18
(2012)
The Gnostic Trio chronology
The Gnostic Preludes
(2012)
The Mysteries
(2013)

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic     [2]
All About Jazzfavorable[3]
Free Jazz Collective     [4]

Allmusic said "The Gnostic Preludes is poetic, deceptively simple, and spiritually vast in scope."[2] All About Jazz stated "Gnostic Preludes is an intriguing and seductive recording, with a gentle and contemplative feeling that resonates with emotive power. It combines the feel of ambiance music with lyrical and melodic prowess seldom seen in Zorn's work. As such, it is a moving work well worth surrendering to."[3] Martin Schray commented "Zorn draws his inspiration from philosophical sources as different as the ideas the Kabbalah, natural mysticism or – obviously in this case – Gnosticism, which might have been a reason to establish his series of 21st century mystical music. The Gnostic Preludes tries to integrate all these spiritual influences in a musical way."[4]

Track listing

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All compositions by John Zorn

No.TitleLength
1."Prelude 1: The Middle Pillar"6:39
2."Prelude 2: The Book of Pleasure"6:05
3."Prelude 3: Prelude of Light"5:56
4."Prelude 4: Diatesseron"4:35
5."Prelude 5: Music of the Spheres"8:13
6."Prelude 6: Circumambulation"6:33
7."Prelude 7: Sign and Sigil"6:22
8."Prelude 8: The Invisibles"3:35

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ Tzadik Catalogue: The Gnostic Preludes
  2. ^ a b Jurek, T. Allmusic Review, accessed November 8, 2013
  3. ^ a b Georgievski, N., All About Jazz Review, All About Jazz, April 20, 2012
  4. ^ a b Schray, M. The Free Jazz Collective Review, Free Jazz Collective, March 4, 2013