Since When Has the Bright Moon Existed? Music of Kui Dong OM 1018-2
Chinese-American composer Kui Dong draws inspiration from old forms, employs unusual instrumental combinations, and even commingles four languages within her compositions on this collection of world premiere recordings. The major work Shui Diao Ge Tou and Song is performed brilliantly by San Francisco's adventurous choir Volti, led by conductor Robert Geary, who also presents the heartfelt Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On with the Piedmont Children's Choir. Pianists Sally Pinkas and Evan Hirsch perform a stark set of three works, Miniatures V-VII, and the bold pairing of the Chinese music ensemble Melody of China with the Del Sol String Quartet bears brilliant results on Dong's seasons cycle, inspired by both Vivaldi and Cage, titled Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
for mixed chorus, percussion (2 players) and piano
Fernando Tarango, tenor; Sidney Chen, bass; Lara Bruckmann, soprano
Volti; conductor: Robert Geary; Floran Conzetti, Chris Froh, percussion; Keisuke Nakagoshi, piano
2. Miniatures (2003), V
2:17
3. Miniatures, VI
1:09
4. Miniatures, VII
3:38
Sally Pinkas & Evan Hirsch (pianos)
5. Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On (2005-06)
for treble clef
I. The Game
10:58
II. Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On
III. Ludamus Denuo
Piedmont Children's Choir; conductor: Robert Geary
Seasons (2006)
6. Spring
6:01
7. Summer
6:02
8. Autumn
6:45
9. Winter
for zheng (Chinese horizontal harp), dulcimer, horse head fiddler/sona,
sheng and string quartet
Melody of China: Hong Wang, matouqin, guanzi, percussion; Guo Wangpeng, sheng, percussion; Gangqin Zhao, guzheng, percussion; Yangqin Zhao, yangqin, percussion
Del Sol String Quartet: Kate Stenberg & Rick Shinozaki, violins; Charlton Lee, viola; Hannah Addario-Berry, cello
