The recording of Patagón was made in Hertz Hall, Berkeley, California, in December 2012, while Columba aspexit and Elegy were recorded there in June 2013.
Performer Biography
The Alexander String Quartet, the performers on this album, celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2011 and has performed in major music capitals on five continents.
Performer Biography
The Alexander String Quartet gained international attention as the first American quartet to win the London International String Quartet Competition in 1985.
Composition History
Cindy Cox, the composer, graciously accepted the Alexander String Quartet's invitation to write a new quartet, Patagón, for their thirtieth anniversary in 2013, even without a commission in place.
Composer Biography
Cindy Cox, the composer, is a Professor and Chair of the Music Department at the University of California at Berkeley.
Compositional Technique
In Patagón, Cindy Cox uses various string playing techniques, such as the 'seagull' effect (an artificial harmonic glided down the string) and 'col legno' (playing with the wood of the bow), to create evocative colors.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Cindy Cox's newer compositions, including the string quartet Patagón on this album, increasingly link to nature and landscape, evoking ideas of the far away and other-worldly.
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