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The Fantasy on 'Schenectady' might recall the Americana style of composers like Aaron Copland or Virgil Thompson. In 1801, Nehemiah Shumway of Schenectady, New York published a shape-note fuguing tune that he named 'Schenectady.' It is in the primitive style best known in the work of William Billings. (The composer is, himself, a native of Schenectady.)

Possibly the greatest challenge in this quartet is achieving pure tuning in the bare octaves and fifths, as well as in the parallel octave passages. Triple-barred note stems indicate flutter tonguing. Tricky entries for the tenor are eased with cues above the staff. Duration: 6:20  Performed by Scott Paterson, soprano;  Anthony St. Pierre, alto;  Anne Massicotte, tenor;  Janos Ungvary, bass.


                     -- Anthony St. Pierre