What makes Allegresse by Maria Schneider notable?

Allegresse received critical acclaim, earning Schneider a Grammy nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. Its innovative blend of orchestral textures and jazz elements not only contributed to a growing appreciation for large ensemble jazz but also influenced a wave of contemporary composers in the genre. In 2000, Maria Schneider released Allegresse as her first album after winning the prestigious Gil Evans Fellowship. This record marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her evolving compositional style and solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz.

How many songs are on Allegresse?

Allegresse has 6 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Allegresse

Maria Schneider · 2000

71 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A lush tapestry of orchestral jazz that seamlessly blends intricate arrangements with deeply emotive storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hang Gliding — This opening track establishes the album's expansive sound through its sweeping melodies and dynamic shifts, embodying Schneider's signature orchestration techniques.
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Nocturne — With its hauntingly beautiful themes, this piece highlights Schneider’s ability to evoke strong emotions, demonstrating her masterful use of harmony and rhythm.
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Dissolution — The longest track on the album, it showcases intricate arrangements and progressive structures that illustrate Schneider’s avant-garde approach to jazz composition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Allegresse showcases intricate arrangements and thematic development, making it a standout in orchestral jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered instrumentation, with woodwinds and strings often intertwining to create a rich sonic landscape.
Each track typically develops through gradual dynamic shifts, building tension before resolving into softer passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Hang Gliding 13:20
2 Nocturne 7:51
3 Allégresse 11:46
4 Dissolution 20:47
5 Journey Home 9:06
6 Sea of Tranquility 8:20

What to play next

Listen next

Concert in the Garden

2004

Go back to

Coming About

1996

Full Maria Schneider discography Artists like Maria Schneider

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata