VA - Jennifer Higdon: Chamber Music (2013)

Those who follow American contemporary music even casually may have noticed that composer Jennifer Higdon has been one of very few to thread the needle, appealing equally to audiences and the professional peers who control fellowship purse strings and decide on awards like the Pulitzer Prize, which Higdon won in 2010. Part of Higdon's appeal is her colorful orchestration, but this collection of chamber works, recorded during Higdon's residence at the University of Wyoming in 2010 and 2011, does not fail to demonstrate her talents.

Part of Higdon's appeal is her colorful orchestration, but this collection of chamber works, recorded during Higdon's residence at the University of Wyoming in 2010 and 2011, does not fail to demonstrate her talents. Like Paul Hindemith, Higdon works in and respects traditional forms, yet makes something new of them. Her treatment of melody is at once rigorous and pleasantly appealing, and in fact predominantly short pieces like the ones heard here offer a good way to get a grip on her music. –James Manheim, AllMusic

Tracklist:

01. Dash 04:37
Verismo Trio:
Nicole Riner, flute
Scott Turpen, soprano saxophone
Theresa Bogard, piano

Sonata for Alto Sax and Piano
02. I. 09:25
03. II. 07:55
Scott Turpen, alto saxophone
Theresa Bogard, piano

Trumpet Songs
04. Morning Opens 01:45
05. To Home 0:46
06. In Our Quiet 03:04
07. Hop and Toe 0:44
08. Threaded 01:12
09. Breaking 01:12
Scott Meredith, trumpet
Rubia Santos, piano

10. Song 06:29
Nicole Riner, flute

11. Legacy 06:09
John Fadial, violin
Rubia Santos, piano

Piano Trio
12. Pale Yellow 07:52
13. Fiery Red 05:28
Theresa Bogard, piano
John Fadial, violin
Beth Vanderborgh, cello