Uncovered Vol. 2: Florence B. Price
Azica, 2022
8/10
Listen to Uncovered Vol. 2: Florence B. Price
The Catalyst Quartet align themselves with the pianist Michelle Cann on this 2nd installment of the Uncovered series, and it spans 6 chamber works that are executed with much power, agility and unpredictability.
“Quintet in A minor for Piano and Strings” opens the listen with firm keys and soaring strings aligning with a bit of intensity as well as flowing grace, and “Negro Folksongs in Counterpoint”, a world premiere recording, has the strings and keys interacting with a dynamic and mesmerizing quality that pushes and pulls with beauty and melody.
In the middle, “String Quartet in A Minor”, also a world premiere recording, highlights the moody nature of the strings that dance with a meticulous delivery, while “Five Folksongs in Counterpoint” mesmerizes us with its sublime synergy between the esteemed musicians.
The final pair of tracks- both world premiere recordings- offers the emotive and dreamy “String Quartet in G Major (unfinished)” and the swift, playful “Quintet for Piano and Strings”.
Yet another superb way to highlight under appreciated black composers, the quartet shine a light on Price’s unique cultural identity that includes being organ student at the New England Conservatory and an important contributor to the great Chicago Renaissance between 1935 and 1950 during a time when racism was rampant and she was fleeing an abusive husband.
Travels well with: Catalyst Quartet- Uncovered Vol. 1; The Crossing- Tower And The Garden