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Catalyst Quartet releases Uncovered: Vol 3. The digital-only album is the third issue of a multi-volume anthology highlighting string quartet works by historically important Black composers, which aims to bring greater awareness and programming of their music. Volume 3 profiles three American composers who lived through the various Black artistic, political, and social projects that transformed the 20th century; and the deep contradictions that continue to plague the U.S. today: George Walker and his String Quartet No. 1 “Lyric”, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s String Quartet No. 1 “Calvary,” and William Grant Still’s Lyric Quartet. All written roughly between 1940 and 1956, these works represent Walker and Perkinson in their youths and still in his prime, and each is a testament to these composers’ important place in the history of concert music and their creative and deliberate engagement with what musicologist Eileen Southern referred to as “Black musical materials” in their compositional styles... Azica Records' Uncovered series is important for a number of reasons, but for me the main reason for buying each volume is that the series represents some truly astounding beautiful works, regardless of the composer's nationality, colour or creed. When you take into consideration the struggles each artist would have had to endure just to bring these pieces to a wider audience, these truly are remarkable works of art. The album opens with Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson's three-part 'String Quartet No. 1' (16 min, 53 sec). A strong, impressive opening that sets the scene and mood for the entire album. William Grant Still's 'Lyric Quartet' is arguably the most instantly accessible, not to mention the most emotive. It's feels familiar and draws you in with its melancholic themes. George Walker’s String Quartet No. 1 "Lyric" was the composers first major work. It was completed in 1946 while he was a student at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, France. It has all the hallmarks of youth, oozing with vitality and life. Catalyst Quartet pour their heart and soul into these recordings and each of the 9 tracks (55 min) is a lovingly performed mini masterpiece. It feels like all the players not only know each piece inside out, but have an affinity for the creativity each work delivers. Track listing: Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson William Grant Still George Walker 10 Darren Rea Buy this item online
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