Composer, teacher, writer and critic, the indefatigable Marion Bauer was the first in a long and distinguished line of American composers to learn with Nadia Boulanger. Bauer endlessly experimented with her style, composing works in a wide range of idioms and moods. They include the impressionistic Trio Sonata, the Lament on an African Theme, the ripely romantic Concertino for Oboe, Clarinet and Strings and the American Youth Concerto, Op. 36. Unashamedly popular without ever becoming corny, this short piano concerto is a parade of Americana, concluding with a Finale which showcases several popular American styles – a Cakewalk, a Blues, and a Hoe-down – to great effect.