Modern Mandolin Quartet - Intermezzo (1990)

This week on Windham Hill Memories, I am going to briefly talk about a CD by a orchestra group called the Modern Mandolin Quartet. I found this CD at Goodwill (along with my other Windham Hill finds) about a month ago.

Here are the images:

This is the front cover and CD case.

 
This is the inside of the case.


Here is the CD in my hand. It's so shiny that you can see me taking a picture of it.


And finally, here is the back of the CD case.


For those who don't know, MMQ is a string quartet group of mandolin family instruments, composing classical and bluegrass music, and the group was co-founded by Mike Marshall of Montreux fame. While still a member of Montreux before the band broke up, Marshall, who had a passion and strenth for classical music, co-founded MMQ in 1986. The group released four recordings under the Windham Hill label, then other labels years onwards. In 1995, they arrived at Carnegie Hall and their latest album, Americana is available now (or at least will be soon) by Sono Luminus Records.

To learn more about MMQ, click the link here to check out their website: http://www.modernmandolinquartet.com/

Anyway, I found their CD, Intermezzo from 1990, and after listening to it, I came to the conclusion that this, was indeed one album to recommend to classical music fans. The tracks on this album are basically cover versions of classical compositions.


By watching and listening to this video, you will know what I mean:



I'm not saying that it's a bad album, just not my favorite genre of music. But there are many classical music fans out there who'd appreciate this album so I thought it was for the best to review it, especially since it's a Windham Hill album that shouldn't be ignored. I do, however recommend the track "Hoedown", for it has a Celtic bluegrass feel to it. I give this CD a B+ (A- if you love classical music).

Here is only one review from Amazon.com:

5 out of 5 stars Amazing rendition of wonderful music July 5, 2010
 
By Philip D. Coulter
Format:Audio CD|Verified Purchase
"This is an outstanding album, highlighted by an extra cool version of Leonard Bernstein's "Cool" from West side Story. That one piece is worth the cost of the CD, so all the rest are a wonderful bonus"

Here are the track listings:

1. String Quartet #5; Opus 64 'The Lark', Finale
2. Empress Of The Pagodas
3. Cool
4. Gavotte
5. The Maiden With The Flaxen Hair
6. Polka
7. Gm Fugue
8. Hoedown
9. Brasilieras #5
10. The Child Juliet
11. String Quartet; Opus 49, First Movement
12. Intermezzo In A, Opus 118; #2

To download the .zip file, click here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wjv401n8lkb72vk/Intermezzo.zip?dl=0

Or if you wish to order your own copy, click the link here: http://www.amazon.com/Intermezzo-Modern-Mandolin-Quartet/dp/B000000NHT

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