<<  -- 4 --  Carson P Cooman    STRONGLY CRAFTED

The compositions on the disc are performed a wide array of performers and all recorded at different times and in different places. However, the performances are uniformly excellent and the recorded sound is consistent.

Although it is a distinctly positive feature that this double CD set contains so many works, this is also a downside in that the price is rather high (almost exactly double the price of a single CD). This is particularly problematic since neither CD contains even sixty minutes of music (the minimum standard for releases these days). Full texts of all poems (even the ones simply serving as inspirations and not actual sung texts) are included in the booklet, along with helpful and informative program notes by the composer on all works and biographies of all the many performers involved.

That aspect should, however, not deter interested individuals from obtaining the set. Whether or not one has heard Locklair's other work, his chamber music provides an excellent introduction to his wide-ranging emotional palate. For those who prefer a one-disc introduction, start with Albany's disc of Locklair's orchestral music, and then move to the chamber set.

If this disc does not provide as immediate of an 'impact' as Locklair's orchestral disc, it is simply because the bold, extrovert nature of the orchestral music is painted on a larger canvas. Locklair's chamber music is absolutely worth enjoying, however. He is an important American voice who deserves further recognition and performances.

For help listening to the sound extracts here, please refer to our questions & answers page.