Meet composer Brian Duford. Mr. DuFord began his music career as a classical guitarist, graduating from both Manis and Yale University. Today, DuFord has composed for Grammy-nominated artists such as the Imani Winds and the Borealis Wind Quintet. A dedicated teacher, DuFord has instructed chamber music students around the country, including his recent position as a coach for the Chamber Music Festival at the Juilliard School in New York.
Below, Brian DuFord shares his thoughts about Akropolis' debut album, High Speed Reed, released January, 2013.
"The Akropolis Reed Quintet's debut release entitled "High Speed Reed" is not simply a clever name. Beginning with the title track then throughout the CD, displaying uncanny brilliance, they fly through high octane passages, treacherous rhythmic contortions and hairpin dynamic contrasts with seemingly effortless technique. Though relatively fresh on the classical music scene, they possess the kind of rapport, musical sensitivity and professional presence usually associated with much longer established ensembles. What's most impressive in this collection is their cohesive blend of sound, natural "in the pocket" groove and extraordinary ability to handle (and make perfect sense of) extremely complex music. Seamlessly, from player to player, they cooly swap around constantly morphing rhythms and twirling melodies with apparent ease while simultaneously tackling thick harmonic textures, intricate musical language and manic shifts of expression. Beyond all the tongue-tying pyrotechnics their cheeky, playful and humorous side vibrantly shines in both "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Circusmuziek" while warm, subtle and superbly balanced hues are maturely displayed in "Nuclear Child Games". The group's tight ensemble playing is never stiff or metronomic and flows from their innate ability to think, move and feel as one (aptly heard in "Pitchblende: I"). Overall, this is an absolutely superb recording that will certainly help to establish Akropolis Reed Quintet firmly within the pantheon of great chamber music ensembles of our time."
Brian DuFord - New York, NY 4/24/13
For more information about Brian Duford's career and compositions, visit his website: http://www.brianduford.com