with Dominique Labelle, soprano; Christopher Krueger, flute; Jean Rife, horn; Yehudi Wyner, piano

New World Records: 80549

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The Lydian Quartet plays works by their longtime Pulitzer Prize winning collaborator.

String Quartet (1985), Brandeis Sunday (1996), "On This Most Voluptuous Night" (song cycle), other chamber music

"The Lydian String Quartet takes center stage for the following Brandeis Sunday (1996), a work that instantly captivates through a throbbing drone that brings to mind the opening of Sibelius' Second Symphony. Then, in a complete surprise, the piece breaks out into an upbeat jazz rhythm for its remainder. Wyner's 1985 String Quartet is noticeably harsher in expression, employing a language that, although primarily atonal, contains occasional fleeting references to tonal centers and features sufficient textural and dramatic contrast to make it both emotionally involving and intellectually intriguing (it's this aspect of the work that brings to mind Alban Berg's powerful Lyric Suite)... all the music in this collection is of exceptionally high-quality, and it's played with utmost expertise and affection by the assembled performers. New World's recording vividly projects the players into your listening space. A most compelling release." Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com

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