With Edwin Barker, double bass

New World Records: 80569
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"... the revelation of this recording is the 35-minute serenade, originally scored for string orchestra. Mr. Shapero produced the version for string quintet recorded here to make the intricate inner voices and skittish rhythms more audible. The music, though as lucid as Haydn's, has a modernist allure, stemming from Mr. Shapero's daring manipulations of classical structures, full of abrupt turns and aborted gestures, and the intensity of his chromatic harmonic language. Yet for all its Neo-Classical niceties, the piece exudes a street-smart urbanity that is vintage Shapero. The dynamic musicians of the Lydian String Quartet are joined by the bassist Edwin Barker in the serenade. All three works receive assured and engrossing performances." Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times

"The members of the Lydian String Quartet, joined by Edwin Barker, double bass, in the Serenade, do a marvelous job of presenting this rich music with passion and elegance. The recording by New World is superbly lifelike." Peter Burwasser, Fanfare

"This is a landmark recording of Shapero's major chamber works and deserves to be listened to by all those who enjoy music that is both modern and traditional whilst never being dull or uninteresting. Shapero's time will come. A great neo-classicist to rival Poulenc and even Stravinsky himself." John France, Musicweb International

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