Navona Records release Restless Nation: The Music of Andy Teirstein. A student of Leonard Bernstein and Henry Brant, Teirstein’s music has been described by The New York Times as “magically atmospheric” and “tumultuously exuberant,” with “shifts from dark, earthy urgency to floating purity.” Featuring master soloists Marco Ambrosini (nyckelharpa) and Yair Dalal (oud), this new collection takes inspiration from the composer’s many travels directing the global initiative Translucent Borders, with musical influences from Bedouin singing, Scandinavian folk music, and his roots as a folk fiddle and banjo player...

Restless Nation: The Music of Andy Teirstein opens with the six-part 'Restless Nation' for string quartet. It recalls the year Teirstein’s family embarked on a home-schooling expedition through America; evoking the excitement, wonder, and challenges encountered on this journey.

The middle section of the album includes the nine-track 'Secrets of the North' and the four-part 'Azazme Songs'. It concludes with 'Letter from Woody', a five-part orchestral reimagining of a letter the iconic folk balladeer Woody Guthrie wrote to his lover and future wife, the dancer Marjorie Mazia, in the 1940s, with hints of Guthrie’s songs and an introduction for harmonica.

The most accessible to newcomers of Teirstein's work is arguably 'Letter from Woody' which has brings to mind old silent movies, particularly westerns.

It's a wonderfully diverse collection which will find a welcome home with any true lover of classical music.

Track listing:

The Cassatt String Quartet | Muneko Otani (violin); Jennifer Leshnower (violin); Ah Ling Neu (viola); Elizabeth Anderson (cello)
01. Restless Nation: I. My Eyes Were Hungry (4:04)
02. Restless Nation: II. Flora and Fauna (3:40)
03. Restless Nation: III. Recess (1:38)
04. Restless Nation: IV. Goree Island (2:39)
05. Restless Nation: V. Of Rocks and Rivers (4:47)
06. Restless Nation: VI. The Way Home (3:59)

Marco Ambrosini, Nyckelharpa; The Mivos String Quartet | Olivia De Prato (violin); Lauren Cauley Kalal (violin); Victor Lowry Tafoya (viola); Mariel Roberts (cello)
07. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Gamel Vals (2:58)
08. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Polska (1:27)
09 Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Vita Märrn (3:38)
10. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Fiery (1:33)
11. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Driven (1:12)
12. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Sarabanda (1:14)
13. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Dance (3:04)
14. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Jarvovalser (1:58)
15. Secrets of The North: Suite for String Quartet and Nyckelharpa: Escape (2:18)

Yair Dalal (Oud); Andy Teirstein (Dulcimer); The Mivos String Quartet | Olivia De Prato (violin); Lauren Cauley Kalal (violin); Victor Lowry Tafoya (viola); Mariel Roberts (cello)
16. Azazme Songs: Suite for String Quartet, Oud and Dulcimer: Sheregi (2:55)
17. Azazme Songs: Suite for String Quartet, Oud and Dulcimer: Hjenni (1:47)
18. Azazme Songs: Suite for String Quartet, Oud and Dulcimer: The Naboteans (2:56)
19. Azazme Songs: Suite for String Quartet, Oud and Dulcimer: Dance of the Camel Drivers (1:34)

Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra | Jiří Petrdlík (conductor), Andy Teirstein (harmonica)
20. Letter from Woody: Pastures of Plenty (3:59)
21. Letter from Woody: Hobo’s Lullabye (1:52)
22. Letter from Woody: The Growling Old Man and Woman (3:29)
23. Letter from Woody: Love You Down to Your Feet (1:54)
24. Letter from Woody: The Scribbling Will Remain (1:24)

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Darren Rea