Samuel Adler: Chamber and Instrumental Music
The works of Samuel Adler – born in Mannheim in 1928 but long since one of the leading figures of American music – are both modern and approachable: they blend an edgy angularity with long flights of lyrical melody, and are often informed with both a buoyant charge of energy and an impish sense of humour. This conspectus of his chamber and instrumental music covers almost sixty years of his activity as a composer and thus presents a kind of portrait in sound.
Michelle Ross, violin (Tracks 2–6, 9–11)
Michael Brown, piano (Tracks 1–4, 6–11)
Cassatt Quartet (Track 12)
Muneko Otani and Jennifer Leshnower, violins
Ah Ling Neu, viola
Elizabeth Anderson, cello
Listen To This Recording:
- Fantasy for Piano Solo (2014)*
- I Allegro moderato
- II Lento espressivo
- III Allegro molto ma non troppo
- In Memory of Milton for Violin Solo
- Fast and intense – Very slowly – Suddenly fast – Very lively – Very slowly – Like a waltz, gracefully – Fast and intense
- Festschrift: A Celebration for Solo Piano
- Thy Song Expands My Spirit for piano solo
- I Quite fast
- II Quiet and dream-like
- III Fast and very rhythmic
- Very slowly – Fast and very agitated – Very slowly – Fast and with abandon
Violin Sonata No. 2 (1956)
In Memory of Milton for Violin Solo (2012)*
Violin Sonata No. 3 (1965)
Festschrift: A Celebration for Solo Piano (2007)*
Thy Song Expands My Spirit for Piano Solo (1980)*
Violin Sonata No. 4 (1989)
String Quartet No. 10 (2014)*
* FIRST RECORDINGS
Backmesser :
‘The CD documents an individual chapter of the fateful German-Jewish emigration. In addition, it gives a good insight into the very different American musical practice, whose European roots cannot be ignored here. The music of Samuel Adler would also be an interesting case for our performers in Germany.’
— Max Nyffeler, Backmesser
The Arts Fuse :
‘All [of the works are] exquisitely conveyed here by violinist Michelle Ross (who is herself a composer as well) and pianist Michael Brown. […]
Thy Song Expands My Spirit, is particularly engaging. I have listened to it repeatedly and felt as if I were being taken for a fascinating ride through the air. […]
The CD closes with a very recent piece: the String Quarter No. 10 […] The members of the renowned Cassatt Quartet […] give it out with elegance and commitment.’
—Ralph P. Locke, The Arts Fuse
Ear Relevant :
‘The String Quartet No. 10 played by the Cassatt Quartet is a high-quality work of lasting value. Here the listener can enjoy the vast array of different sources of inspiration the composer can combine. […]
“Fantasy” is far too often used to describe a musical composition which, lacking a structure or a development, hides this weakness behind this title. Not so this Fantasy. The music is surprising, fresh, and played well by pianist Michael Brown, who studied composition with Dr. Adler at The Juilliard School. At only five minutes in length, it is nevertheless a good opener.’
[In violin sonata no.2] violinist Michelle Ross, who also studied composition with Adler, produces precisely the right sound of sadness and profound grief that this music requires. […]
[In Memory of Milton] is a pleasant five-minute miniature, a piece that flows naturally without asking the interpreter any superior degree of technical difficulty. Here too, Michelle Ross delivers solid craftsmanship and a rather appealing sound quality. […]
The final track is dedicated to the String Quartet No. 10, written in 2014. Splendidly interpreted by the Cassatt Quartet, […]. Its sagacious color combinations, highly appealing mixture of different bow techniques, and rhythmic richness — all this is a splendid example of what Adler can achieve.
It is clear that the course of musical development of this century will hardly be influenced by this artist, his oeuvre lacking a consistent and durable quality. Still, it can be taken for granted that single works of this highly original composer will remain vital in the future.’
—Giorgio Koukl, Ear Relevant