James Darling, trumpet; John Brndiar, trumpet; Richard Solis, horn; James DeSano, trombone; Ronald Bishop, tuba; Extended Vocal Techniques Ensemble: [Deborah Kavasch, soprano; Linda Vickerman, mezzo-soprano; Edwin Harkins, tenor; Philip Larson, bass-baritone]; Contemporary Quartet: [Jeanne Benjamin Ingraham, violin; Joel Lester, violin; Jacob Glick, viola; Christopher Finckel, cello]; Vladimir Havsky, piano


Edwin London writes:

''Brass Quintet was written in 1965 at the MacDowell Colony. Being a French horn player and having experienced some memorable moments in the trenches of jazz and erudite ensemble combat, I wanted to compose a piece which would help me understand the processes, that is, the twists and turns that my own public performance existence had taken...

"Psalm of These Days II was written in 1976-77 for the extraordinary talents of the Extended Vocal Techniques Ensemble of San Diego. This dedicated bunch had earlier presented me with a lexicon-catalogue of vocal sounds developed in their research sessions at the Center for Music Experiment (University of California at San Diego). The composition written for them is an attempt to make meaningful use of the group's adventuresome character...

Lionel Nowak writes:

"Early in 1970, I remarked to a class of composition students at Union College on the questionable validity of composing today for string quartet. Later in the year, I assigned the task of writing a substantial movement for string quartet. The class, having drawn the extreme conclusion from my earlier statement, opined as how the assignment was inappropriate unless I too would satisfy it. I accepted the challenge and the result is here recorded as Soundscape for String Quartet.

"Soundscape for Piano was commissioned by Converse College in 1964 as part of the celebration of its 75th anniversary. The composition was meant to challenge the skills and imagination of the talented students who study at the School of Music. This particular Soundscape was the first of a series; the others are for various small ensembles. The title is meant to suggest a panorama of sound textures and instrumental techniques which, in this instance, eventuates in something like the jagged outlines of a city — skyscrapers, tenements, parks and hub-bub."

This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.