Though I am not a fan of John Zorn’s experimental jazz saxophone, I put aside my bias and listened to his Quartet no. 2 from Short Stories with an open mind. I was well rewarded. The Quartet follows in the footsteps of Lyric Suite, lacking traditional form or melody but still connected through rhythmic and harmonic movement. The detache bowing, percussive use of the instruments and other effects effectively add intrigue and texture without pretention, a much appreciated quality when compared to many other modern string pieces. Just like a good written story, the piece had an exposition, development and beginning, holding your attention and exciting your interest in the progress of the plot and growth of the characters. Supremely executed by the Kronos Quartet, Quartet no. 2 proved Zorn’s talents translate well into the classical medium.
LATER: Want to know why I liked this Zorn so much? Because it wasn't Zorn. I thought the whole album was by him, but no, just one track and not the track I selected. This piece was by Sofia Gubaidalina, a composer I have heard of and like much better than zorn. Ironic looking back on this now that i know my mistake...
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