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 traditional instrument 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.

1 · Shui Diao Ge Tou and Song (2001, rev. 2003) (20:27)
for mixed chorus, 2 percussionists, and piano
Volti: Robert Geary – conductor, Floran Conzetti and Chris Froh – percussion, Keisuke Nakagoshi – piano

2-4 · Miniatures V–VII (2003) (2:17, 1:09, 3:38)
Sally Pinkas and Evan Hirsch – pianos

5 · Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On (2005-2006) (10:58)
for treble clef vocal ensemble
I. The Game
II. Let the Frogs and Crickets Carry It On
III. Ludamus Denuo
Piedmont Children’s Choir: Robert Geary – conductor

6-9 · Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter (2006) (6:01, 6:02, 6:45, 5:21),
for zheng (chinese horizontal harp), dulcimer, horse head fiddler/sona, sheng, and string quartet
Melody of China and Del Sol String Quartet