American Voices
Cedille, 2024
9/10
The Grammy Winning outfit Pacifica Quartet return with a body of work that illuminates the works of Antonín Dvořák, Florence Price, Louis Gruenberg, and James Lee III via their inimitable delivery and violin, viola and cello prowess.
“String Quartet in F Major, Op. 96, “American”, by Dvořák, opens with the dancing strings interacting with much warmth and fluidity, as Brandon Vamos’ cellos is quite gripping, and Price’s “String Quartet in G major” follows with Simin Ganatra and Austin Hartman’s adventurous violins making for an exploratory yet cautious 2 chapters.
The back half brings us Gruenberg’s “Four Diversions for String Quartet, Op. 32”, where the frisky landscape is quite infectious and daring, while “Pitch In”, by Lee III, exits with Mark Holloway’s tonally intriguing viola adding much richness to the meticulous finish.
An effort that’s influenced by American popular and traditional music, this 14th recording for Cedille continues the quartet’s consistently enthralling and timeless performances.
Travels well with: Stacy Garrop- Oratorio Terra Nostra; Minnesota Orchestra- Mahler 8