great recording debut

The senza conductor chamber orchestra A Far Cry, based out of Boston, has released their first recording, entitled A Far Cry: Debut.

You can preview tracks and purchase downloads (320kbs mp3 files) from their page at InstantEncore.com.

Here’s the program of the album:

Osvaldo Golijov – Last Round for string orchestra
G.F. Handel – Concerto Grosso, op. 6 no. 6, HWV 324
P.I. Tchaikovsky – Serenade for Strings in C major, op. 48

If you want a physical CD, you can also purchase from the ensemble’s own website.

I highly recommend this release – it features not only tight ensemble playing with spot-on intonation (which we should expect from any recording) – but it also showcases some gripping, exciting music making of the highest caliber.  It reminds me of recordings of the Orpheus chamber orchestra in their glory days, frankly.  The cost of the entire album alone would be justified by the incredible performance of Osvaldo Golijov’s Last Round for string orchestra. Oh, and did I mention that the Handel Concerto Grosso op. 6 no 6 is absolutely gorgeous?

Highly recommended!