The Spektral Quartet, the ensemble performing on this album, is the ensemble-in-residence at the University of Chicago's Department of Music.
Compositional Technique
Sky Macklay's 'Many Many Cadences' features instruments base-jumping from the upper reaches of their range, pinging rapid-fire, tonal cadences in rhythmic unison.
Album & Artwork
The album title, 'Serious Business', is ironic, as the Spektral Quartet suggests the album is 'not funny' in the traditional sense, but rather explores humor through classical music.
Compositional Technique
David Reminick's 'The Ancestral Mousetrap' uses texts by American poet Russell Edson and includes vocal passages where the players sing in four-part harmony or as fragmented solos.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in DXD at 24 bit, 352.8kHz in 9.1 Surround Sound at Sono Luminus Studios in Boyce, Virginia.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The Spektral Quartet, the performers on this album, are drawn to virtuosic string writing and believe humor can compel inquiry, expose hypocrisy, and question assumptions.
Compositional Technique
Chris Fisher-Lochhead's 'Hack' transcribes comedians' bits, including their rhythmic level and pitch variations, into musical scores for 16 comedians.
