Northwestern University Cello Ensemble, shadow, echo, memory

A full ensemble of cellos gives us a sound color pallette unlike any other. We hear the vibrant sound texture in sharp digital definition on the Northwestern University Cello Ensemble's presentation of 19th, 20th and 21st century works specially arranged for the group. The new Shadow, Echo, Memory (SONO Luminus SLE-70004) comes through vividly as a winning demonstration of what such an ensemble can do.

The sheer visceral charge of the amassed cellos comes to the forefront on works like Zachary Wadsworth's "Three Lacquer Prints" and Gyorgy Ligeti's "Lux Aeterna;" the melodic-harmonic expressivity of multiple cellos stands out on Faure's "Apres Un Reve," and Mahler's "Adagietto (from Symphony No. 5)."

Director Hans Jorgen Jensen puts the ensemble through its paces with striking results and the sound quality of the recording is everything one would hope for.

Cello lovers and those seeking new sonances will find this very much to their liking! Recommended.