Brooklyn Rider — A Walking Fire

A recent and wonderful trend has been emerging lately, some classical ensembles have been taking to the stage in venues not usually associated with these styles of music.  A large majority of the public believes that classical music is somehow an elitist art and understood only by stuffy old antiquated peoples, this couldn't be further from the truth, but the idea has grown out of the system that has been built around classical music.  Usually venue specific and expensive, most "common" people have just not been provided with the opportunity to learn about and enjoy these vibrant and very much alive art forms. 

Brooklyn Rider, a Brooklyn based string quartet is one of these grouped bringing classical music to the people, equally comfortable playing in chamber halls and clubs alike. This latest disc and first major label release explores the work of three different composers: Bartok, Ljova and the groups own Colin Jacobson.

Although this record is comprised of the works of three different composers it flows almost as though it is one piece of music.  From start to finish it retains a Balkan feel, which fluctuates from cheery and danceable to mournful, but seemingly playful through both emotions.  It has all of the hecticness usually found in Roma music but with a happier approach to the playing for the most part.   
 
By far the highlights of the record are the first and third movements from Bartok's String Quartet No. 2, the bow work finally calms down enough to really convey a lasting emotion without swirling around the ideas being expressed.  
 
The work of Colin Jacobson which concludes the disc, is highly angular and swelling.  In this series of three miniatures, the second "The Flowers of Esfahan" sticks out for its slow and soft beauty, giving one the impression that the flowers are lilting, but with pizzicato that brings to mind new life emerging.  This piece among the others seems more concerned with telling a story and is executed tastefully.
 
One of the most affective aspects of a string quartet is the ability to express deep longing and conflict between voices, with Brooklyn Rider it is almost as though they are having too much fun for this. While this longing is not a mandatory direction for any quartet (and really a matter of taste) I wouldn't mind hearing more of it in Brooklyn Riders work.  All in all this is a great record, but I must admit that I enjoyed it more on first listening than with repeated listenings, leaving me with the impression that this group is more of a stage experience.