KRONOS QUARTET ~ WINTER WAS HARD 'Winter Was Hard is a fairly typical early mélange type recording by the Kronos Quartet, mixing in au courant contemporary fare with a downtown edge and 20th century classics. Of the former, John Zorn's "Forbidden Fruit" (originally available on his album Spillane) is the standout composition, one of the very best pieces he ever wrote in this idiom. Mixing the string quartet with turntablist Christian Marclay's wild thrashings and vocalist Ohta Hiromi''s intensely erotic whisperings was an inspired move. John Lurie's "Bella by Barlight" is appropriately noirish, while Astor Piazzolla who had just been introduced to the American public via American Clave records, is ably represented by one of his down-and-dirty tangos. Terry Riley and Arvo Part are less well-represented by works that wallow a bit much in tired minimalist and mystical areas respectively. Alfred Schnittke's "Quartet No. 3" is a robust and romantic work, played here with bravura, though for sheer gorgeous romanticism, it's tough to outdo Barber's "Adagio," here rearranged for string quartet but losing little of its passion and beauty. Winter Was Hard is worth hearing for its highlights, of which there are plenty...' - CD album. - Playtested, definitely 100% - In very good condition, and there are no playback problems, it's all good! - Various pictures uploaded, all taken from the actual item, what you see is what you get... - The jewel case has the usual light scuffing and other small signs of shelfwear, etc, but is in good working order. - The 8 page inlay booklet is in very good condition. - Use the scroll over feature for meticulous scrutiny of the items. - Check all the details listed below carefully, make sure this is the one you want. 10 tracks and 69 minutes. On Elektra Nonesuch , catalog number 79181 1988 CD album release. Tracklisting - See picture uploaded of rear of jewel case, tracks shown. Buy-it-now - $6.99 Postage - USA - Free shipping....nice! Media Mail, please note. Tracking numbers will be added when appropriate, as early as possible. Oversea shipping, most welcome, wherever, no problem...just ask and I'll get you a price... Thanks for looking! :o)