John Zorn - Commedia Dell'Arte (2016)

A fabulous and multifaceted suite celebrating the vibrant Italian dramatic form Commedia dell arte that began in the 16th century and flourishes to this day. The classic archetypical characters Harlequin, Colombina, Scaramouche, Pulcinella and Pierrot are evoked in five compositional miniatures for small chamber ensembles: brass quintet, cello quartet, piano trio, vocal quartet and woodwinds. Premiered at the Guggenheim Museum in early 2016, the music contains some of Zorn's finest writing and is a delight from first note to last. Over twenty of New York's greatest musicians are involved in this exciting and varied suite of miniature masterpieces.