This music is overflowing with color, real depth and shading, and very smart vocal writing. Rands is one of those rare composers (at least rare within his particular spiky-bloopy-Babbitty generation) who know how well "beautiful and lyrical" can coexist with "structurally and tonally sophisticated." 

I love randomly running into musical big shots here on cdbaby.  Thomas Paul is an important figure in new music -- Elliott Carter wrote Syringa for him, among other things.  Reminds me of when I heard a Terry Riley piece on mp3.com, was amazed for a second that somebody'd had the nerve to post a Terry Riley piece as their own.... and then realized, oh.  It was posted by Terry Riley.

In short, this is a gorgeous CD made by major talents -- one of the most stimulating and beautiful CDs on cdbaby.
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A thoroughly potent album of vividly colorful, imagery-rich and evocative classical chamber music by composer, Bernard Rands, an established and notable figure in contemporary music. His studies with Dallapicola and Berio have helped to cultivate his lyrical expression and tender sophistication, as the most delicate subtleties are carefully crafted and integrated in these striking and enchanting works. Featuring the notable and accomplished basso, Thomas Paul, this finely polished album is a gem in both the vocal and instrumental arenas. Rands' expansive use of harmony, visceral orchestration and his attention to emotional build make this album accessible for the novice as well as the academic. One of the most valued treasures at CD Baby.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
A thoroughly potent album of vividly colorful, imagery-rich and evocative classical chamber music by composer, Bernard Rands, an established and notable figure in contemporary music. His studies with Dallapicola and Berio have helped to cultivate his lyrical expression and tender sophistication, as the most delicate subtleties are carefully crafted and integrated in these striking and enchanting works. Featuring the notable and accomplished basso, Thomas Paul, this finely polished album is a gem in both the vocal and instrumental arenas. Rands' expansive use of harmony, visceral orchestration and his attention to emotional build make this album accessible for the novice as well as the academic. One of the most valued treasures at CD Baby.
                            Read more...