If you are unfamiliar with the Sono Luminus label, often with a major release, they will provide a CD as well as an audio-only Blu-ray packaged together, such as this recording on review. Recently, I listened to a Christmas choral recording from the label, but it was only offered on Blu-ray, a physical media type not all music collectors have invested in to be able to play, as it isn't a typical music format.
Sonics are obviously important to Sono Luminus to dedicate themselves to Blu-ray audio, and I appreciate this bonus. This is certainly one fine sounding recording, regardless of CD or Blu-ray.
If I can say one thing about this album, the US-based Ying Quartet are true believers in this Americana chamber-music program. Samuel Barber's String Quartet, op. 11 is of a serious, pensive quality, and its second movement is known the world round, if nothing else than for its use in 1986's film Platoon. On the other hand, I don't think anyone would put Howard Hanson's String Quartet, op. 23 on the same plane, yet the Ying Quartet make it sound like a lost Americana masterpiece.
This may be the finest Barber's String Quartet has ever sounded. The Ying Quartet give themselves over entirely to this music, and their beautifully rounded tone is exquisite, all the while throwing themselves at the work. Most interesting is the addition of Barber's original final movement (included alongside the normal 3rd movement), an upbeat rustic dance which doesn't completely fit the tone of what came before.
Also included is the rather brief three-movement Serenade, op. 1 from Barber. It is a slight work, but still filled with the Ying Quartet's pathos. More substantial is Dover Beach for solo vocal baritone and string quartet. Barber evokes such haunting visions, particularly at such a young age as a composer. I can't say Randall Scarlata's baritone will knock favorites off the shelf, but its inclusion is appreciated.
Howard Hanson is an apt pairing with Samuel Barber, as the two showcase Romanticism in their music, albeit in different ways. Hanson's one-movement String Quartet sounds rather personal, a trait that isn't always the case with his more popular concert hall music. The Ying Quartet make a solid case for this work to enter the chamber-music consciousness, for it is piece of wonderful craftsmanship. What I didn't expect was a Rachmaninov-esque piano quintet from Hanson in the form of his Concerto da Camera. The piano rumbles along thunderously, while the string quartet amply sustains the theatrics of the composition, although there is plenty of emotional introspection as well.
As a bit of an encore, the Ying Quartet arranged Randall Thompson's famous Alleluia, originally for a cappella chorus, here for string quartet. As with Dover Beach, they skate along a little too quickly to set up any deep emotional stakes in the music, but what a great idea for a quartet transcription.
As a mentioned at the top, the Ying Quartet are given a delicious sound by Sono Luminus, and the ensemble's commitment to this literature is more than anyone could ask for. This is a recording to run to, not to saunter around it aimlessly while the world passes by.
Listen on YouTube
Works
Samuel Barber
String Quartet (21.38)
Serenade (8.28)
Dover Beach (8.08)
Howard Hanson
String Quartet (15.09)
Concerto da Camera (15.18)
Randall Thompson
Alleluia (5.21)
Soloists
Randall Scarlata, baritone
Adam Neiman, piano
Performers
Ying Quartet
Label: Sono Luminus
Year: 2013
Total Timing: 74.02
If interested in a top performance of Samuel Barber's String Quartet, look no further.
In addition, a lot of pairings come from Barber and Howard Hanson, and the Ying Quartet make them sound as important as the main feast.
Terrific!
Find more Barber recordings HERE!
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