The American Concerto: Music by Copland and Aldridge

Recently attended the "Kaleidoscope 2010" concert at Montclair State University that was very enjoyable. One of the groups performing was "The Shanghai Quartet" who performed "Samba" a piece written by gifted composer, Robert L. Aldridge. I loved the music that was a perfect marriage of classical and a jazz-like arrangement fitting together like a glove. The level of dexterity performed by faculty clarinetist, David Singer can only be described as breathtaking. I had to get a copy of this song and was very happy to discover it is included in the wonderful CD listed above. I highly recommend this CD.

David Singer is an amazing clarinet player and kudos for a great mix. Track 4 is breath-takingly beautiful -- like white light that could heal the world. This CD was a gift and it keeps on giving me joy whenever I listen to it. I recommend this CD.

Is it fair to pair a modern composer's clarinet concerto with one of the 20th century's great masters? In most cases the comparison suffers but not on this recording. When I first heard Aldridge's String Quartet # 1 I did not know the composer's music and was alternately thinking: this is a 20th century composer; no it is a 19th century composer. And the same holds true on this recording - Aldridge manages to be a 21st century composer who creates music that a 19th century listener would enjoy. His music is lyrical and melodic yet somehow modern at the same time. But don't think you will sit back and be lulled - this clarinet concerto is a vigorous piece that puts David Singer, the clarinetist, through his paces and highlights his facility and breath with his instrument. A disclaimer: my wife and I commissioned a string quartet from Aldridge about 15 years ago and his music has only grown in beauty since. The Copland piece is another beautiful piece played brilliantly by Singer and the orchestra, A Far Cry. It begins slowly and carefully but soon becomes a robust piece that is a perfect match for Aldridge's. A Far Cry is evidently a relatively new orchestra based in Boston made up of some remarkable young musicians. They play difficult scores with seeming ease and grace. The closing piece also by Aldridge, Samba, shows Singer with a string quartet in the classic latin tradition. I have never heard a piece with this particular combination of instruments but would love to hear more quintets like this. Naxos has done a superb job of mastering so the sound is crystal clear without being harsh or abrasive. I congratulate the musicians and Naxos for putting together a real American CD that should appeal to a wide range of listeners.