Groovy Andean folk-inspired classical music from composer Gabriela Lena Frank, performed by the trailblazing Chiara String Quartet! The Chiara Quartet is Rebecca Fischer, violin Julie Yoon, violin Jonah Sirota, viola Gregory Beaver, cello From the CD liner notes: Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout for string quartet, mixes elements from the western classical and Andean folk music traditions. Toyos depicts a large Andean panpipe of the same name. Tarqueada is a forceful number featuring the tarka, a heavy wooden flute that is blown harshly in order to split the tone. Himno de Zampoñas features a panpipe ensemble that divides up melodies through a technique known as hocketing. Chasqui depicts a legendary runner from the Inca era who delivered messages between towns separated by the Andean peaks. Canto de Velorio portrays professional crying women known as lloronas who sing in an emotional funeral service. Lastly, Coqueteos is a flirtatious love song, lively and bold in spirit. -Gabriela Lena Frank Performer Bio: The Chiara Quartet is forging a new path for the string quartet medium. In the concert hall and in more intimate galleries and clubs, the Chiara transforms the audience experience from mere listening to active engagement with the music. The group presents thrilling contemporary works-through their club tours and New Voice Singles recordings-to a growing circle of newcomers and committed chamber music fans alike, while exploring more established repertoire with fresh ears. Praised for a "marvelously dramatic," "no-holds-barred" approach (Philadelphia Inquirer; The Strad) paired with a "warm, integrated sound" (New York Times), they are known as four unique and strong voices that combine into a powerful whole. The Chiara Quartet is essential listening. Chiara (key-ARE-uh) is an Italian word, meaning "clear, pure, or light." Visit the Chiara Quartet online at chiaraquartet.net and at myspace.com/chiarastringquartet. Composer Bio: A longtime friend of the Chiara Quartet, Gabriela Lena Frank is an internationally awarded Peruvian-American composer who draws on South American idioms in her works for chamber music ensembles, orchestras, and voice. Published exclusively by G. Schirmer, Inc., Gabriela’s compositions have been performed to critical acclaim in the preeminent concert venues in the United States, Europe, and South America. As a fulltime freelance composer, Gabriela is also a frequent guest at international festivals and schools and she travels often in South America for research and inspiration. Gabriela resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.