Sony
2006
Jay Greenberg: Symphony No. 5; Quintet For Strings [Hybrid SACD]
About This Album
It is doubtful that anyone picking up this SACD for the first time without knowing anything about the composer would ever guess that the works on it were written by a 15 year old. Jay Greenberg's Fifth symphony is performed here by the London Symphony Orchestra under the direction of José Serebrier. It is certainly a strong work, filled with obvious mastery of an impressive array of compositional techniques, and it demonstrates that Greenberg clearly knew how to write to the strengths of each instrument in the orchestra to produce a wide palate of sound. As is sometimes easy to do with young composers, Greenberg's influences can be identified at key moments throughout the performance: a little Shostakovich, a smattering of Stravinsky, a hefty portion of Bartók, and maybe a soupçon of Copland. Good company to be sure, but Greenberg has not yet fully developed his own voice. He certainly has ample time to explore; if his output and popularity continue into adulthood, great things can be expected from this young artist.

The String Quintet (scored for two violins, one viola, and two celli) comes across as even more mature sounding and interesting than the symphony. It is, ironically, intended to feature the voice of the viola despite the composer's decision to follow Schubert and use two celli rather than Mozart and use two violas. The performance of the Juilliard Quartet, joined by cellist Darrett Adkins, does a great deal of honor to Greenberg's work. The violins and celli play off each other and allow the viola part to frequently take center stage. The individual part writing is intricate and complex without being ostentatious. The fugato sections of the finale are both brilliantly written and brilliantly executed. This album is absolutely a welcome addition to fans of American music and those who want in on the ground level of this young composer's promising career. ~ Mike D. Brownell, All Music Guide
Track List

Symphony No. 5
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String Quintet
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