American Tapestry—Calidore String Quartet—Signum Classics CD [2026]

Released February 13, 2026 on Signum Classics.

I was very fortunate to see the Calidore Quartet live in a performance on the island last year. They have produced a set of complete CDs of Beethoven Quartets reviewed to great acclaim in Audiophila, but nothing prepared me for the visceral excitement of hearing them live.

The group has been together for 16 years after forming as students at The Colburn School in Los Angeles. In that time, they have gathered quite a following of string quartet fans, and are known for their immaculate musicianship, taste and style, flawless intonation and great energy. If they come to your neck of the woods during their many tours, grab a ticket. You won’t be disappointed.

The completed Beethoven CD series was marked by superb technique, classical style appropriate to each of the quarters, no matter early, middle or late, and with a beautiful corporate sound.

I’d like to thank my friend James Myers for arranging the American Tapestry CD shipping. James is the father of Calidore violinist Jeffrey Myers. The other members of the quartet include Ryan Meehan, violin, Jeremy Berry, viola, and Estelle Choi, cello.

I was very happy to see a Calidore CD with such an interesting and varied program. I heard them play some modern works during the live show in between works by Beethoven. They bring the same energy and commitment, no matter the era or repertoire.

The Calidore explain the program:

American Tapestry on Signum Classics features music by composers Samuel Barber, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Wynton Marsalis and the world premiere recording of John Williams’ With Malice Toward None from “Lincoln” as arranged by the composer for the Calidore. The program of American music tells a story of “human interconnectedness that resonates beyond any national borders.

TRACKLIST

 String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11 - Samuel Barber (1910-1981)

I. Molto allegro e appassionato

II. Molto adagio

III. Molto allegro (come prima)

String Quartet No. 1 “At the Octoroon Balls”: - Wynton Marsalis (b. 1961)

III. Creole Contradanzas

IV. Many Gone

V. Hellbound Highball

With Malice Toward None - John Williams (b. 1932)

String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 34: - Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957)

I. Allegro moderato

II. Scherzo. Allegro molto

III. Sostenuto. Like a Folk Tune

IV. Finale. Allegro - Allegro con fuoco

I jumped at the chance to listen to Samuel Barber’s famous String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11 written when he was 19 while a student at Curtis. Yes, that one with the famous “Molto Adagio”, later arranged for full orchestra as his incredibly popular Adagio for Strings.

I think Barber is one of America’s greatest composers, and the invention and beauty of his quartet leave no doubt.

Things begin in typical Calidore style, with the opening energy of the Barber’s great quartet. It soon turns into some quintessential quiet Americana, which the players capture with tenderness and affection.

As Barber weaves his youthful spell through a brilliantly argued opening movement, you’ll notice no weak links in the Calidore—they are a remarkably well-matched and cohesive group.

I don’t know Wynton Marsalis’ classical concert works, but his String Quartet No. 1 “At the Octoroon Balls” is a creative gem, drawn from the musical heritage of his native New Orleans. I’m not sure I heard New Orleans, but the musical language is modern and accessible. The Calidore include three movements from the seven-movement suite.

Also included is an arrangement specifically for quartet by John Williams—his With Malice Toward None from the film Lincoln. It serves as Lincoln’s theme and is played with tenderness by the quartet after a beautiful cello intro by Estelle Choi.

Gore Recital Hall

The program ends with Korngold’s String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 34. I have a Direct 2 Disc vinyl with a cracking performance by Holland’s Atma Quartet. They play with fearless abandon on the treacherous D2D recording technique. The Calidore match them in Kornold’s quartet dedicated to Bruno Walter. Written in 1945, typical of Korngold, he borrows material from his films scores—specifically The Sea Hawk and my favourite Korngold film score, Between Two Worlds. It receives a brilliant and passionate performance.

The Calidore’s recordings have consistently fine sound. They are resident artists at The University of Delaware and recorded American Tapestry at the Gore Recital Hall on campus. The CD was produced and engineered by Judith Sherman. It’s an exceptional sounding CD (check out the “Scherzo” of the Korngold!) and it receives my warmest recommendation.