The Galax Quartet (Elizabeth Blumenstock and David Wilson, Baroque violins; Roy Whelden, viola da gamba; and David Morris, Baroque cello) is equally at home performing works by 17th and 18th century composers as well as cutting edge, newly commissioned works. Their period instruments-with gut strings, low angle fingerboards, no chin rests or end pins, and lighter bows-offer a rich pallet of coloration and nuances to composers of new music. Joined by guest artist Karen R. Clark (contralto) the Galax Quartet takes us on a traversal of three vivid musical realms. Featured are two world premieres: Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs" by Joseph Schwantner (Pulitzer Prize for Music, 1979), and Radif IV "Stars of Highest Magnitude" by Robert Morris. Also included is Marc Mellits' popular String Quartet No. 2 "Revolution" in a new setting. Praise for Dream Drapery: "Three fantastical worlds debouch from this talismanic Galax release!... Canny contralto Karen R. Clark outdoes herself; her pace and diction are keyed to a higher logic of sound." (Rudy Rucker, author of Infinity and the Mind and White Light) "Dream Drapery by the Galax Quartet and contralto Karen R. Clark is a bold and beautiful recording... The Galax Quartet and Karen R. Clark are locked sonically in a loving embrace." (Hank Dutt, violist of the Kronos Quartet)

Tracklist:

String Quartet No. 2 "Revolution": I. Groove Canon
String Quartet No. 2 "Revolution": II. Mara's Toys
String Quartet No. 2 "Revolution": III. December 1989
String Quartet No. 2 "Revolution": IV. Groove Machine
Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs": No. 1, Each More Melodious Note I Hear
Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs": No. 2, I Was Born Upon Thy Bank River - The Poet's Delay
Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs": No. 3, I Mark The Summer's Swift Decline
Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs": No. 4, A Winter And Spring Scene
Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs": No. 5, Hymn For Bruce "Dies Irae"
Dream Drapery "Thoreau Songs": No. 6, Low-Anchored Cloud - Old Meeting-House Bell
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): I. Acamar
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): II. Achenar
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): III. Kochab
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): IV. Denebola
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): V. Ginehah
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): VI. Eltanin
Radif IV "Stars Of Highest Magnitude" (Galax Version): VII. Zuben'ubi

UPC: 017685129728
Label: Music & Arts Program
Release Date: 8.21.20
Format: CD

Mellits / Galax Quartet / Clark - Dream Drapery (CD)