A Century of New Sounds Curtis Institute of Music

• Leonard Bernstein (1918 - 1990): Sonata for Clarinet and Piano:
• 1 Bernstein: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano: I. Grazioso 03:53
• 2 Bernstein: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano: II. Andantino - Vivace e leggiero 06:58
• Samuel Barber (1910 - 1981): Canzone (Elegy) for Flute and Piano, Op. 38a:
• 3 Barber: Canzone (Elegy) for Flute and Piano, Op. 38a 03:37
• Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962): Autumn Music for Woodwind Quintet:
• 4 Higdon: Autumn Music for Woodwind Quintet 11:12
• David Ludwig (b. 1974): Three Pictures from the Floating World:
• 5 Ludwig: Three Pictures from the Floating World: I. Voiles 01:57
• 6 Ludwig: Three Pictures from the Floating World: II. Sirens 02:07
• 7 Ludwig: Three Pictures from the Floating World: III. Ondine 02:53
• Ned Rorem (1923 - 2022): Mountain Song for Oboe and Piano:
• 8 Rorem: Mountain Song for Oboe and Piano 03:27
• George Walker (1922 - 2018): String Quartet No. 1 "Lyric":
• 9 Walker: String Quartet No. 1 "Lyric": II. Molto Adagio 05:21
• Jonathan Bailey Holland (b. 1974): Introit for Brass Quintet:
• 10 Holland: Introit for Brass Quintet 01:58
• Julius Eastman (b. 1940): Four Pieces for Piano:
• 11 Eastman: Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece I 01:06
• 12 Eastman: Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece II 03:36
• 13 Eastman: Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece III 00:48
• 14 Eastman: Four Pieces for Piano: Piano Piece IV 02:24
• Gabriella Smith (b. 1991): Anthozoa for Violin, Cello, Piano and Percussion:
• 15 Smith: Anthozoa for Violin, Cello, Piano and Percussion 12:32
• Total Runtime 01:03:49

Info for A Century of New Sounds

A Century of New Sounds celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Curtis Institute of Music through the artistry and innovation of performances by alumni, faculty, and students. The selection of chamber music, recorded on the school’s historic campus in Philadelphia, presents a range of musical styles and ideas from Curtis composers past and present.

New music has been central to Curtis’ story since the school first opened its doors. From the time of Samuel Barber (’34), Ned Rorem (’44), and George Walker (’45) through to the present day, Curtis composers have made lasting contributions to the living tradition of classical music. As Curtis turns 100, A Century of New Sounds celebrates the music of Curtis composers across time. Works by early Curtis titans like Barber, Rorem, Walker, and Bernstein (’41) are heard here alongside music by longtime faculty members Jennifer Higdon (’88) and David Serkin Ludwig (’01), current faculty member Jonathan Bailey Holland (’96), and Curtis alum Gabriella Smith (’13). The album also champions a previously unpublished work by Julius Eastman (’63), licensed and arranged by Elijah Daniel Smith, Curtis’ manager of new music activities, specifically for this recording.

This small but impactful group of composers, heard together, offers listeners a sonic taste of the many distinct musical voices that have emerged from Curtis. The combined efforts of these composers represent a deep commitment to the future of our art form and a blend of tradition and innovation that is a hallmark of the Curtis approach. Whether articulated on strings, winds, brass, percussion, or keyboards, as performed by Curtis faculty, alumni, or current students, this music is a testament to the quality, expressivity, and individuality of Curtis composers. (Nick DiBerardino, Composition ’18, chair of composition studies)

David Shifrin, clarinet
Amy Yang, piano
Patrick Williams, flute
Emmalena Huning, violin
Sumin Kim, violin
Ania Lewis, cello
Natalie Zhu, piano
Dasara Beta, trumpet
Justin Bernardi, trumpet
Kristin Andlauer, horn
Diogo Fernandes, trombone
Noah Urquidi, bass trombone
Jiacheng Xiong, piano
Maya Anjali Buchanan, viloin
Matthew Christakos, cello
Delvan Lin, piano
Tae McLoughlin. percussion
Dover Quartet
Imani Winds

Curtis Institute of Music
At Curtis, the world’s great young musicians develop into exceptional artists, creators, and innovators. With a tuition-free foundation, Curtis is a unique environment for teaching and learning. A small school by design, students realize their artistic potential through intensive, individualized study with the most renowned, sought-after faculty. Animated by a learn-by-doing philosophy, Curtis students share their music with audiences through more than 100 performances each year, including solo and chamber recitals, orchestral concerts, and opera—all free or at an affordable cost—offering audiences unique opportunities to participate in pivotal moments in these young musicians’ careers. Curtis students experience a close connection to the most renowned artists and organizations in classical music, as well as innovative initiatives that integrate new technologies and encourage entrepreneurship—all within a historic campus in the heart of culturally rich Philadelphia. In this diverse, collaborative community, Curtis’s extraordinary artists challenge, support, and inspire one another—continuing an unparalleled 100-year legacy of musicians who have led, and will lead, classical music into a thriving, equitable, and multidimensional future.

This album contains no booklet.