Curtis Institute of Music, Dover Quartet - A Century of New Sounds (2024) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano: I. Grazioso
02. Sonata for Clarinet and Piano: II. Andantino - Vivace e leggiero
03. Canzone (Elegy) for Flute and Piano, Op. 38a
04. Autumn Music for Woodwind Quintet
05. Three Pictures from the Floating World: I. Voiles
06. Three Pictures from the Floating World: II. Sirens
07. Three Pictures from the Floating World: III. Ondine
08. Mountain Song for Oboe and Piano
09. String Quartet No. 1 "Lyric": II. Molto Adagio
10. Introit for Brass Quintet
11. Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece I
12. Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece II
13. Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece III
14. Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece IV
15. Anthozoa for Violin, Cello, Piano, and Percussion

A Century of New Sounds celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Curtis Institute of Music through the artistry and innovation of performances by alumni, faculty, and students. The selection of chamber music, recorded on the school’s historic campus in Philadelphia, presents a range of musical styles and ideas from Curtis composers past and present.

New music has been central to Curtis’ story since the school first opened its doors. From the time of Samuel Barber (’34), Ned Rorem (’44), and George Walker (’45) through to the present day, Curtis composers have made lasting contributions to the living tradition of classical music. As Curtis turns 100, A Century of New Sounds celebrates the music of Curtis composers across time. Works by early Curtis titans like Barber, Rorem, Walker, and Bernstein (’41) are heard here alongside music by longtime faculty members Jennifer Higdon (’88) and David Serkin Ludwig (’01), current faculty member Jonathan Bailey Holland (’96), and Curtis alum Gabriella Smith (’13). The album also champions a previously unpublished work by Julius Eastman (’63), licensed and arranged by Elijah Daniel Smith, Curtis’ manager of new music activities, specifically for this recording.

This small but impactful group of composers, heard together, offers listeners a sonic taste of the many distinct musical voices that have emerged from Curtis. The combined efforts of these composers represent a deep commitment to the future of our art form and a blend of tradition and innovation that is a hallmark of the Curtis approach. Whether articulated on strings, winds, brass, percussion, or keyboards, as performed by Curtis faculty, alumni, or current students, this music is a testament to the quality, expressivity, and individuality of Curtis composers. (Nick DiBerardino, Composition ’18, chair of composition studies)

DOWNLOAD ALBUM [flac]

DOWNLOAD ALBUM [Hi-Res]