Alessandro Commellato - L'art Du Chant Applique Au Piano70 1 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

With Quadrants, Navona Records presents six of today's best modern string quartets that meld the old with the new, combining traditional forms with contemporary influences to present expressive, emotional works that both make and break the mold. Quadrants Volume 2 seeks to bring the emotive works of six contemporary composers together, with each work communicating both deeply personal and universal messages. These messages are made all the more potent when expressed through the multifaceted voice and intimate setting of the string quartet - in this case, the acclaimed Boston group, the Pedroia String Quartet. The Pedroia String Quartet brings a combined fresh energy and maturity to the Quadrants series. Each member is a master in his own right. Between the four performers are tours from London to Seoul, the founding of one of America's freshest new chamber ensembles, InchA Far Cry,Inch and countless awards and features with the world's greatest ensembles. Put all of this together in one quartet, and you get the idea. Establishing themselves as one of the top contemporary string quartets, The Pedroia Quartet brings the work of Navona's composers to life with a spirit that is intense and virtuosic while remaining sensitive and tender. Quadrants Volume 2 is only the second stop in a series of composers and performers of the highest caliber. With a personal message and a powerful ensemble, however, this stop is not to be missed.

During the heart of the pandemic of 2020, I found comfort and refuge in these Suites. As I began to play them not just individually but as a set, an arch started to emerge, a true Hero's journey starting with the innocent 1st Suite in G major, the first taste of bitter disappointment in the d minor 2nd Suite, a renewed optimism in the 3rd Suite in C major, the bold and brash 4th Suite in Eb Major, the dark tragedy of the 5th Suite in C minor, and finally the glorious redemption of the 6th Suite in D Major. My hope in presenting these Suites without repeats is to more clearly illuminate this arch of their presented order so that we may more closely follow this universal storyline. - SÆUNN THORSTEINSDÓTTIR

The oldest Bach choir in the United States, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem celebrates it's 120th birthday in 2018. Since it's founding in 1898, the now famous choir has attracted thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond to the annual Bethlehem Bach Festival in Pennsylvania. Cantata BWV 21, Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, was composed for various occasions between 1713 and 1714; with nearly every performance it was expanded by additional movements. It should be noted that this recording frames the Bach cantata with two exquisite arias. With Daniel Taylor, Cassandra Lemoine, Rosa Lamoreaux, Benjamin Butterfield, William Sharp & The Bach Festival Orchestra, directed by Greg Funfgeld, this production is grandiose!