Quintet of the Americas: (Marco Granados, flute; Peggy Pearson, oboe; Daniel Granados, clarinet; Thomas Novak, bassoon; Barbara Oldham, horn); Michael Lowenstern, bass clarinet; Amy Rubin, piano
We have long heard about the widening chasm between composers and performers, between new music and the public, between popular and contemporary 'classical' music. Today, however, a new generation of engagé composers and performers are closing both of those gaps. This is not just a matter of composers writing in the vernacular or performers taking up the cudgels in defense of new music. These creative and interpretive musicians are themselves active collaborators in the act of bringing new work to life, crossing the lines that formerly divided schools, styles, categories and even countries.
Take Quintet of the Americas. This is a classical wind quintet - flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn - that was founded in 1976 in Bogotá, Colombia, by the principals of the Orquesta Sinfònica de Colombia. In 1979 they relocated to New York City, committing themselves to new music from all parts of the hemisphere. They have worked closely with a wide range of composers, premiered more than 50 works (over half of them commissions) and made numerous arrangements of their own, adding folk music to the contemporary classical repertoire which they are helping to create.
The current album, which celebrates their 15th anniversary season in New York, consists of five new works, four of which were commissioned and premiered by the group. All of this music requires major input from the performers and two of the pieces, the Pauline Oliveros and the Elliott Sharp, have strong improvisational elements; they are, in effect, creative collaborations between the composers and their interpreters.
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.
Quintet of the Americas - Self-Portrait
| MP3/320 | $9.99 | |
| FLAC | $9.99 | |
| WAV | $9.99 | |
| CD-R | $9.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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Portrait of The Quintet of The Americas
Pauline Oliveros
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La Loba: I. Cantadora I
Amy Rubin
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La Loba: II. La Loba
Amy Rubin
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La Loba: III. Hambre del Alma
Amy Rubin
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La Loba: IV. Llamar o Tocar
Amy Rubin
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La Loba: V. Descansos/Wise Woman
Amy Rubin
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La Loba: VI. Cantadora II/La Loba
Amy Rubin
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Amnesia Breaks
Lee Hyla
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Woodwind Quintet: I. Presto
Christopher Culpo
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Woodwind Quintet: II. Adagio
Christopher Culpo
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Woodwind Quintet: III. Interlude
Christopher Culpo
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Woodwind Quintet: IV. March
Christopher Culpo
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Woodwind Quintet: V. Fantasy
Christopher Culpo
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Woodwind Quintet: VI. Interlude
Christopher Culpo
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Woodwind Quintet: VII. Coda
Christopher Culpo
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JAG
Elliott Sharp
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