Triptych

“This New England-born composer has made great additions to the repertoire, particularly in the world of chamber music. Perhaps founding the Bay Area ensemble Earplay gave Mr. Festinger a taste for the world of chamber music… The sprawling and beautiful Triptych for solo flute was written while a young man; already a clear and unique voice is present… the trio for clarinet, violin and piano Peripitea features a glowing coda, andTrionometry pits flute and clarinet against a sparkling piano background… Whether you've known Mr. Festinger's works for a long time or they are new to you, this hour will open up a world of an American master – be sure to tune in!”

"The result is magical, one of those special moments in contemporary composition where the sound itself supersedes syntax and the music transcends any semantic aspirations we may have for it. In sum, this CD presents an enjoyable program of intellectually and viscerally compelling music that spans much of the career of a living American composer who deserves to be better known."

“Move over Haydn! Richard Festinger, composer and distinguished Professor of Music Composition at San Francisco State University, presents a recording of five chamber works… featuring the Naumburg award-winning New Millennium Ensemble … [Festinger] approaches composition with the intellectual curiosity of an academic, the heart of a romantic, and the depth of one totally immersed in the art… is neatly structured and rich in counterpoint and rhythmic intricacy… [Variations for Piano] culls the intricacy of Liszt's Les Préludes and the spaciousness of Webern's piano works… perfectly executed, well-crafted music…. Construction en metal et bois for piano and percussion pushes the boundaries of chamber music… Here Festinger gives us his best and the demanding challenges are met with equal passion. Margaret Kampmeier and John Ferrari, like two fighter pilots, perform at lightning speed and with the intensity of a tarantella…. Festinger's music, like a Mark Rothko painting, is beautiful, even on the surface. And discovering what's beneath makes it rewarding.”