American String Quartet

Classical

Each of the composers taken on by baritone Randall Scarlata and the American String Quartet this Tuesday -- part of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society's Century Series, celebrating the music of the past 100 years -- has been active in the musical life of Philadelphia. Joseph Castaldo, born in 1927, has taught at the University of the Arts; his "Photographia" was composed in 1972. Born in Berlin in 1902, Stefan Wolpe was a student of Busoni and Webern before he emigrated to the U.S. In 1948 he became president of the Settlement Music School. Later, in New York, he numbered among his students Morton Feldman and Ralph Shapey. Wolpe's Quartet for Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone, Piano and Percussion is from 1950-1954. Samuel Barber, born in Westchester, Pa., studied at the Curtis Institute. He sang the baritone part of his 1931 setting of Matthew Arnold's poem, "Dover Beach," in a well-remembered recording. The concert concludes with Ned Rorem's 1994 String Quartet No. 4. Just now 80, Rorem was recently the subject of celebrations by the Curtis Institute, where he has taught for many years.

Tue., Dec. 9, 8 p.m., $15, Settlement Music School, 416 Queen St., 215-569-8080.

—Lou Camp

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