ALEXANDER KREIN (1883-1951): Jewish Sketches Nos. 1 & 2 for Clarinet and String Quartet, Opp. 12 & 13, Lyric Fragment for 4 Cellos. Op. 1a, Elegy for Piano Trio, Op. 16, Cello and Piano: Poème, Op. 10, Jewish Melody, Op. 43, Violin and Piano: Caprice hébraïque, Op. 24, Aria, Op. 41, 3 Ornaments, Op. 42, Dances, Op. 50, Nos. 2, 4-6 and 10 (arr. Noah Bendix-Balgley [b.1984]/Jascha Heifetz [1901-1987]).

Description: Krein’s compositions reveal the confluence of several strands of musical history: his Russian background, the transition from late Romanticism to early modernism – where the influence of Skryabin is readily audible – and, particularly in the works on this album, the Jewish folk-heritage, with its emotionally powerful blend of high spirits and melancholy. David Krakauer (clarinet), Noah Bendix-Balgley (violin), Aron Zelkowicz (cello), Rodrigo Ojeda (piano), Musicians of the Pittsburgh Jewish Music Festival.