Celebrating a century of musical excellence, the Pro Arte Quartet presents their Centennial Anniversary Commissions, a captivating collection of chamber music that showcases their unparalleled artistry and versatility. Released on December 1, 2013, under Albany Records, this album is a testament to the quartet's enduring legacy and their commitment to commissioning and performing new works.
The album opens with the String Quartet No. 2, "Dreaming Butterfly," a piece that invites listeners into a world of dreams and adventures, blending sleep music with dynamic movements. The Pro Arte Quartet then takes on Three Rhapsodies for Piano Quintet, a trio of diverse pieces that range from a playful metamorphosis of the classic "Get A Job" to a poignant homage to Henry James, culminating in a lively klezmer-inspired finale.
The heart of the album lies in the Piano Quintet No. 2, a powerful four-movement work that spans a spectrum of emotions, from fiery passion to tender expressiveness. The quartet concludes the album with the String Quartet No. 5, a deeply introspective work that explores themes of faces, hearts, and reflections, culminating in a final movement that invites contemplation and introspection.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through the Pro Arte Quartet's commissioned works, offering a unique insight into their collaborative process and their ability to bring new compositions to life. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to chamber music, this album is a compelling introduction to the Pro Arte Quartet's centennial celebrations and their ongoing dedication to the art form.
Tracks
String Quartet No. 2, "Dreaming Butterfly": Sleep Music IWalter Mays, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 2, "Dreaming Butterfly": First Adventure, Amoroso-scherzandoWalter Mays, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 2, "Dreaming Butterfly": Second Adventure, PizzicatoWalter Mays, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 2, "Dreaming Butterfly": Third Adventure, ScorrevoloWalter Mays, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 2, "Dreaming Butterfly": Sleep Music IIWalter Mays, Pro Arte Quartet
Three Rhapsodies for Piano Quintet: I. Metamorphoses on "Get A Job"Paul Schoenfield, Pro Arte Quartet, Brian Hsu
Three Rhapsodies for Piano Quintet: II. The Bench of Desolation (after Henry James)Paul Schoenfield, Pro Arte Quartet, Brian Hsu
Three Rhapsodies for Piano Quintet: III. KlezmorimPaul Schoenfield, Pro Arte Quartet, Brian Hsu
Piano Quintet No. 2: Allegro con fuocoWilliam Bolcom, Pro Arte Quartet, Christopher Taylor
Piano Quintet No. 2: Adagio espressivoWilliam Bolcom, Pro Arte Quartet, Christopher Taylor
Piano Quintet No. 2: Scherzo nero; with abandonWilliam Bolcom, Pro Arte Quartet, Christopher Taylor
Piano Quintet No. 2: Vivo, con passioneWilliam Bolcom, Pro Arte Quartet, Christopher Taylor
String Quartet No. 5: Melodia 1John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Scherzino 1John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Notturno 1John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Visi (Faces)John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Notturno 2John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Cuori (Hearts)John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Notturno 3John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Scherzino 2John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: Melodia 2John Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
String Quartet No. 5: RipensamentoJohn Harbison, Pro Arte Quartet
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