This CD's booklet presents a flattering portrait of Sebastian Currier, but it is also generously informative about his career, his diverse musical influences, and his numerous compositions, including the two works performed here, Quartetset (1995) and Quiet Time (2004). As often happens in liner notes, though, the music is described enthusiastically and in great theoretical detail, but with a labored explanation of the composer's approach that seems a little defensive. Part of this may be in response to claims that Currier's music is eclectic, derivative, and kitschy rather than sophisticated in its polystylism. Yet if one listens to Quartetset, the tongue-in-cheek references and cheek-by-jowl parodies need no methodology for justification, just the listener's familiarity with the string quartet literature and a healthy sense of humor. It's clear that Currier has some serious points to make in this long suite, since the duration is close to 36 minutes -- substantially longer than most string quartets -- and the effort expended is obviously much greater than any needed for a musical joke. But to ignore Currier's wit is to miss important clues to understanding the piece, which seems to identify common threads of expression that run between dramatically contrasted and incongruous styles. Currier demonstrates that, as varied as the string quartet repertoire has been in the hands of its greatest practitioners, the medium has developed so coherently and consistently over time that its externals are mutable, interchangeable, and consequently less important than the underlying expression, which is always unique in character. Quiet Time is less concerned with musical language per se and seems more concentrated on sustaining a subdued mood for a little over 22 minutes. Though there are some contrasting, scherzo-like interruptions in the work's flow, it is essentially a calm, elegiac piece that is played more introspectively and reflectively than Quartetset. The exceptional
Cassatt String Quartet, for whom Currier composed these works, turns in polished performances played with full bow, and New World Records provides excellent sound quality. So as eclectic or imitative as Currier's music may seem at first blush, these compositions are worth serious study and reward repeated listening with their subtler aspects.