Music for Strings

Music composed by Doug Lofstrom is deliciously performed by the Russian String Orchestra, conducted by Misha Rachlevsky on this rich collection of original and fresh classical works. There are four major pieces, all of which brim over with musicality and grace. A three piece "Music For Strings" includes rich Britten-esque lilts, rich pizzicato'd swayings and a dramatic climax. "Concerto For String Orchestra" as gentle pleadings as well as agitated pulsations grabbing your heart during its three parts. Rich harp musings bring extra texture to "August Diary" for some romantic impressions, with the one movement "Midsummer Passage" is filled with subtle fragrances. It's refreshing to be able to associate "modern classical" with "beauty" once again.