Rezurrektion (String Quartets)
Henri Elkan, 2023
8/10
Listen to Rezurrektion (String Quartets)
The New York City composer, arranger and academic Wayne Alpern is as prolific as he is exceptional, and here he interprets some classics in a string setting, where fluctuations in style, mood and tone are appreciated.
The very elegant “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” begins the listen with Chern Hwe and Gregor Huebner’s stirring violins flowing with much warmth and melody, as picked strings linger in the background, and “G Minor Quintet” follows with Jeremy Harmon’s low cello creating a bit of mystery that spotlights the strong attention to mood that really draws us in.
“F Major Sonata” and “C Major Sonata” land in the middle, where the former allows the sweeping strings to emit a profound beauty, while the latter is quite animated, and balances the violins and Ron Lawrence’s viola with much playfulness.
“Black Beauty” arrives near the end and is a highly intimate moment of heartfelt string interaction on the Ellington original, and “Porgy And Bess” exits the listen with a rich approach that lets all 4 player’s strengths shine in the collaborative finish.
Alpern is well versed in both jazz and classical ideas, and his always innovative vision puts a lot of modern attention on these timeless compositions.
Travels well with: Vincent Lyn- Elysian Eclipse; Nic Vardanega- New Beginning