Most of the time that one thinks of “modern classical” music, or it being teamed with jazz, the first thoughts that come to your mind are “cacophony” or “traffic jams”. Not here with composer Wayne Alpern. His collection of “Reinventions”, “Serenades” and “Divertimentos” are tastefully portrayed by the String Orchestra of New York City, with Monica Bauchwitz as the Concertmaster.
There are three each of the above named creations. The trio of “Reinventions” include a rich optimistic collection of thoughts in the first, a serene Vaughan Williams-ish pastoral creation in the second, and a stately collection of fugues for the third. There is a cheerful gallop to “Serenade 1” with long sustained impressions for “2” and hornlike sways on “3”. The concluding triad of “Divertimentos” feature moments of a theme for hunting in the forest, a rich mix of Britton-like harmonies and a danceable folk conclusion. Yes, it is modern, and it is also timeless.