New Music with Guitar, Vol. 6 is a "clean up" entry in this outstanding series of discs devoted to contemporary guitar music featuring David Starobin and released by Bridge Records. It consists mainly of odds and ends -- pieces that Starobin has played in concert, sometimes repeatedly, and has recorded, but heretofore hasn't found a vehicle for on disc. The standout work here is the Joshua Variations by David Starobin's brother Michael Starobin. Joshua Variations is based on an improvised melody sung by Michael Starobin's wife to their infant. It is a touching, mature, and well-thought-out piece -- certainly worthy of recording.
Two previously released items appear here; Elliott Carter's Luimen, which is recycled from Bridge's The Music of Elliott Carter, Vol. 4, and George Crumb's Mundus Canis from Bridge's Star-Child, presumably to add time to what would've been a rather short CD. The other major work included is Gunther Schuller's Fantasy Suite of 1994. Starobin's commission caught Schuller at a good time, as that year marked the composer's turn away from formalism toward music that admits more emotion and light. The Toccata movement is great fun, being a jazzy send-up of the Gigue from Arnold Schoenberg's Suite, Op. 25. Many of the short pieces here are also attractive, particularly Paul Lansky's Shameless Sarabande, which subjects a reflective, folk-like passage to enigmatic diversions.
Those who have already acquired The Music of Elliott Carter, Vol. 4, or Star-Child may feel that adding this disc to their storehouse isn't necessary. As good as the Carter and Crumb volumes are, to choose among the three, New Music with Guitar, Vol. 6, would be the hands-down favorite.
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