American composer Paul Reale studied with George Rochberg and George Crumb, and was awarded the Luckman Prize in 1995. Written especially for this recording, his Seven Deadly Sins uses observations of human nature as well as the emotions associated with mortal transgression, creating a work full of surprise and psychological contrast. Composers’ Reminiscences is Reale’s stylistic impression of seven iconic composers, while the ‘Celtic Wedding’ Sonata is part of a series inspired by Anglo-Celtic folk melodies. Based on familiar holiday tunes, the Holiday Suite is ‘good time music…devoid of pretension’. Soloist Jessica Mathaes is considered ‘a violinist like no other’ by The New York Times, and pianist Colette Valentine can also be heard on the acclaimed flute and piano anthology Eight Visions (Naxos 8.559629).