This is my favorite "modern classical" album. I was reeled in by the wonderful first movement of Palladio (the famous De Beers "Diamond Music"), and then I fell in love with the entire work. In places it's breathless (the pace and phrasing are so fast); in others, poignant (you can hear bittersweet emotion); and in others, edgy (the strings are anything but smooth and sweet in spots, adding delightful texture to the work). When I was pregnant with my first child, I would sit in the quiet of the evening with my cup of tea, and she would roll gently to this lovely music. I instantly recall those happy expectant days when I hear this album. Jenkins is a versatile artist--so much so that he doesn't combine genres. Some artists might "cross over" from jazz to classical (or vice versa), and you can hear it in their compositions. Not so with Jenkins. I think that is the mark of genius in an artist.
1. Palladio: I. Allegretto
2. Palladio: II. Largo
3. Palladio: III. Vivace
4. Adiemus Variations: I.
5. Adiemus Variations: II.
6. Adiemus Variations: III.
7. Adiemus Variations: IV.
8. Passacaglia
9. String Quartet No. 2: I. The Fifth Season
10. String Quartet No. 2: II. Tango
11. String Quartet No. 2: III. Waltz
12. String Quartet No. 2: IV. Romanze
13. String Quartet No. 2: V. Bits

Download: