The music of distinguished American composer Charles Wuorinen is notable for its compositional wit, dynamic virtuosity and intellectual rigor. This CD features vocal chamber works from the late 1990s to 2007, a new piano work, and Wuorinen’s ‘remakings’ of music by Josquin des Prés. Ashberyana, a major new work commissioned by Da Camera of Houston, sets the dazzling poetry of John Ashbery for a tour-deforce ensemble led by the composer. Fenton Songs I and Fenton Songs II offer contrasting poems by James Fenton, ranging from lyrical confessions of love to the horrors of Tiananmen Square. Two personal solo piano pieces – one dedicated to conductor James Levine – and Josquiniana, composed for the Brentano Quartet, complete this compelling portrait of one of today’s most important musical voices.