The first two volumes of this Augusta Read Thomas recording series focused on orchestral and chamber/piano music respectively, and the third volume was a recording of a live 50th birthday concert presented by the New Haven Symphony.

This fourth volume has yet a different focus: music primarily featuring strings and almost exclusively performed by young musicians. Thomas wrote: “If one were to shut one’s eyes while listening to this CD, one should imagine a stage full of passionate young musicians. Two of these performances are even taken from live, unedited concert recordings (Juilliard and Tanglewood). Thus this disc as a whole celebrates the skill and dedication of youthful musicians who play with utter commitment and flair.”

Contents:
1. INCANTATION FOR SOLO VIOLIN (1995)
Stefan Hersh (violin)

2. PASSION PRAYERS for solo cello, flute, clarinet, violin, piano, harp and percussion (1999)
Scott Kluksdahl (cello) • Network for New Music / Jan Krzywicki

3-5. SPIRIT MUSINGS VIOLIN CONCERTO NO.1 for solo violin and chamber ensemble (1997)
Marc Rovetti (violin), Student Fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center / Laura Jackson

6-9. JUBILEE FOR ORCHESTRA (2010)
Juilliard School Student Orchestra / Xian Zhang

10-12. CANTOS FOR SLAVA FOR VIOLA AND PIANO (2007)
Leah Gastler (viola), Christopher Janwong McKiggan (piano)

13-16. RUMI SETTINGS for violin and cello (2001)
Stefan Hersh (violin), Julian Hersh (cello)

17. DANCING GALAXY for wind ensemble (2004)
Southern Methodist University Student Wind Ensemble / Jack Delaney