Search - Erb, Audubon, Krieger :: Suddenly It's Evening

Contemporary Classical Music at its Absolute Best

D. B. Rathbun | Washington, DC United States | 11/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don Erb's Third String Quartet is an immensely captivating work. I must admit that I write this within hours of hearing a spot-on performance of Erb's masterwork "Evensong," and shortly after pouring over much of his music in recent weeks. That being said, I cannot remember the last time I listened to a quartet with such intensity, fervor, and delight. The piece is fraught with passion and depth, and the harmonies radiate with sheer beauty. On top of that, the Audubon quartet's performance is stellar.



Suddenly it's Evening is nothing less than groundbreaking. Sure, in the same way that many of Erb's pieces are groundbreaking, but very few recent compositions exploit advances in sonal technology with such success. This piece for "electric cello" works not only because Jeffrey Krieger is ingenious, but mostly because he went to the only composer alive possessing the technical capabilities to create a well crafted AND moving piece for the instrument.



The Pieces for Double Bass Alone are a good addition to a scant literature. Bert Turetzky plays them well.

The Three poems for violin and Piano likewise possess the attributes of most of Erb's compositions. It is beautiful and genuine. It as well is perhaps the most significant piece for violin and piano written in a long time.



This disc will easily take its place among the best in any collection.



"

20th c classical at its best

D. A. Hosek | Santa Monica, CA USA | 03/31/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm especially fond of the pieces for solo electric cello (Suddenly it's evening) and solo bass (Three Pieces).The string quartet which opens the disc is probably the weakest spot of the piece, although the occasional vocal interjection does add some moments of surprise."