About the Album







 

A language that transcends any other, music holds memories, both collective and individual, much like the visual and written arts. As such, it can be used to paint a picture, create an atmosphere, or tell a story. Throughout history, music has been used to elicit emotions from, impress grandeur upon, and inspire devotion within the listener. Music from oratorios and triumphal marches to dance suites and symphonic poems all tell the story of the people and era for which they were written.

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Many young musicians are instructed by their teachers to come up with characters and emotions to match the piece they are playing — to tell the audience a story. Many of these same young musicians have in turn asked their parents before bed, “Mom, can you tell me a story?” and then inevitably asked, “one more story please?” and again, “one more?”

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This album was inspired by that tall stack of books many of us brought our parents as they put us to bed. We have chosen works specifically inspired by literature, legend, and folk tradition from the 20th and 21st centuries. Many of these pieces are also inspired by the nighttime; nocturnes, lullabies, and visuals of the moon and stars. The first set of pieces takes us on a journey through African-American folk song, American poetry by Sara Teasdale, British folk song, and a lullaby. Too excited for sleep, we explore Greek legends, the grandeur of the stars as told by Walt Whitman, and another attempt at inviting sleep through Goethe’s Night Songs. Finally, we indulge in the request — Tell Me a Story — one more time, exploring American tall tales, the Three Billy Goats Gruff, tales of fairies and dragons, and one last lullaby as the listener drifts to sleep.

We have come to love every one of these pieces and the human connection that they inspire. This album was recorded as true chamber music, balanced live with both parts in the same room, to capture the raw emotions and impressions of the music the best way that we know how — together. We hope that you will feel the joy, peace, and comfort of each note. Happy listening!

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– consonari