Ricardo Lorenz (b. 1961)
1 Bachangó (1984) (5:05)*
Marta Aznavoorian, piano
  

Carter Pann (b. 1972)
Differences for cello and piano (1998) (13:43)*
2 I. Strand (2:02)
3 II. Air (3:41)
4 III. Country Dance (3:04)
  

5 IV. Blues (2:59)
6 V. Song (1:44)
David Ying, cello
Elinor Freer, piano

Carter Pann (b. 1972)
Differences for cello and piano (1998)
Differences was composed in February 1998 for cellist Derek Snyder. The work is comprised of five short movements, very much like a Baroque suite or partita. The individual pieces, however, are radically different from each other in style and content. Originally, my plan was to transcribe an earlier chamber work, Dance Partita, in its entirety for cello and piano (resulting in seven or eight movements). Instead, the project grew into its own as my work on it progressed. The only movements taken from the chamber piece are “Air” and “Country Dance.”

“Strand” is a kind of pop tune where the cello has the vocal line. The piano supplies the harmonies and rhythms against which the cello sings. Differing from an actual pop tune, the rhythms are a bit more complex and sometimes jarring. “Air” takes its language from the Baroque. The title refers to the Baroque “canto” style of long legato vocal lines over a slow, undulating accompaniment. “Country Dance” is a peasant tune. The middle section is very pastoral, including church bells; one might imagine the drone of bagpipes over the countryside. Very different from the preceding movement, “Blues” offers a chance for the performers to show a little soul. As with “Strand,” “Song” is a pop tune. This one is a bit more direct in its tone and more instantly memorable as it draws its language from the late 1970s and early 80s.
~ program note from the Cedille Records website

David Ying, cello
Elinor Freer, piano