Ashberyana, Fenton Songs, Josquiniana

BRENTANO STRING QUARTET proudly presents Wuorinen Ashbery: an ambitious, avant-garde journey into the depths of contemporary chamber music. This album is like a kaleidoscope of sound, constantly shifting and evolving with each movement. The quartet's precision and technical prowess are on full display here, as they tackle Wuorinen's complex compositions with finesse and flair. From cascading arpeggios to dissonant harmonies, each note is meticulously crafted and delicately executed. What sets this album apart, however, is the collaboration with poet John Ashbery. His haunting, surreal lyrics lend a lyrical quality to the music, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning to the already rich tapestry of sound. Tracks like "Night Landscape" and "Serenade" transport the listener to a world of dreamlike beauty and introspection, while pieces like "Fantasy in C" and "Five" showcase the quartet's virtuosity and versatility. From start to finish, Wuorinen Ashbery is a mesmerizing listening experience that demands your attention and rewards it tenfold. This is not an album for the faint of heart, but for those willing to dive headfirst into the avant-garde, it is a journey well worth taking.