CHARLES WUORINEN (b.1938): Ashberyana (Sarah Rothenberg [piano], Da Camera of Houston; Charles Wuorinen), Praegustatum, Fenton Songs I and II (Lucy Shelton [soprano], Mark Steinberg [violin], Nina Maria Lee [cello], Rothenberg [piano - Songs I], Alan Feinberg [piano - Songs II]), Ave Christe of Josquin (Rothenberg [piano]), Josquiniana (Brentano String Quartet).

Description: Ashberyana sets poetry of John Ashbery, with the unusual, highly effective device of the ensemble's trombone acting almost as a duo-partner with the voice in music that amplifies and underlines the mercurial changes in perspective and elegant word-play of the poetry. The Fenton Songs, setting texts by Wuorinen's collaborator on his 2001 opera based on Rushdie's 'Haroun and the Sea of Stores', form two contrasting sets. The first consists of an evolving cycle of love poetry, set to music of great sensitivity and intimacy. The second is set in a more public arena, dealing with social ills, warfare and oppression; the music is more theatrical and demonstrative, the accompaniments complex and agitated, though always of extraordinary clarity, never obscuring the words. Also included are two examples of Wuorinen's transcription of music by Josquin, achieved with admirable fidelity to the originals, in instrumental form.