Music For String Quartets
Navona, 2023
8/10
Listen to Music For String Quartets
The world premiere recording of the revered composer Leonard Bernstein’s long-lost effort, we’re treated to Lucia Lin, Natalie Rose Kress, Danny Kim, and Ronald Feldman interpreting the work of an 18 year old Bernstein. Also, included is a composition by Aaron Copland, a musical mentor, collaborator, and treasured friend of Bernstein’s.
“Music for String Quartet (1936): I” opens the listen with Lin and Rose Kress’ animated violins complementing the moody viola from Kim and Feldman’s graceful cello in the very collaborative setting, and “Music for String Quartet (1936): II” follows with a calmer approach that emits much emotion from the eloquent delivery.
Copland’s “Elegies for Violin and Viola” finishes the listen off with Kress’ stirring violin and Kim’s intimate viola working together with a poetic, cautious demeanor that tugs on the heartstrings.
Bernstein’s legacy certainly is still very much influential to this day, and this resurrected recording further solidifies his place as one of the most important figures in the area of conducting and composing from America.
Travels well with: Myroslava Khomik- Protest; Trio Casals- A Grand Journey