Bridge Records: Much of Arlene Sierra’s compositional output centers on the natural world, addressing the subjects of landscape, evolutionary biology, and the sounds, processes and behavior of birds and insects. Arranged into three books, Sierra's Birds and Insects comprises 15 movements composed across a twenty-year period. The three books are performed brilliantly here by pianists Steven Beck (Books 1 and 2) and Sarah Cahill (Book 3). The album is the fourth in Bridge's ongoing Arlene Sierra series.

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Listen to samples at Presto Music

Download the programme booklet here

 

Programme:

1-5: Birds and Insects, Book I
Composed by Arlene Sierra; Steven Beck, piano
1. Sarus Crane [2:22]
2. Cornish Bantam [1:45]
3. Cicada Sketch [1:24]
4. Titmouse [1:16]
5. Scarab [8:43]

6-10 Birds and Insects, Book II
Composed by Arlene Sierra; Steven Beck, piano
6. Painted Bunting [1:31]*
7. Hermit Thrush [4:10]*
8. Black and White Warbler [2:48]*
9. Thermometer Cricket [3:08]*
10. Bobolink [11:07]*

11-15 Birds and Insects, Book III
Composed by Arlene Sierra; Sarah Cahill, piano
11. Lovely Fairywren [4:45]*
12. Canyon Wren [2:20]*
13. Great Grig [2:22]*
14. Tawny Owls [2:58]*
15. Troupial [6:20]*

* World premiere recording

Total Time: 56:21

Follow links to view the earlier discs in the series, Music of Arlene Sierra, Vol. 1, Game of Attrition: Arlene Sierra, Vol. 2, and Butterflies Remember a Mountain: Arlene Sierra, Vol. 3

Click here to see Sierra's other music at Bridge Records