Eric Stokes was a “musical citizen” in the Twin Cities for almost forty years, teaching in the Music School at the University of Minnesota from 1961 after having studied there under Paul Fetler and Dominick Argento. Eric has been variously described as a crusty eccentric, wonderfully humorous, very healthy and resourceful American composer of gentle, witty, lyrically accessible music, with a taste for folkloric Americana and a “Whitmanesque” ear. This collection of chamber music, delightfully performed by some of those closest to him, shows his range and deep respect for performers and listeners. The works are as fun to play as they are to hear, and bring to mind the affable collegiality and the pragmatic purpose of his musical life. There are echoes of Charles Ives, Henry Brant, John Cage thrown into the mix of lyrical whimsy and solid recital craft. Song, poetry, music for special occasions, friendly offerings, audience participation, and educational twists all take center stage in this album; as much a tribute to Eric’s living gifts as it is a reminiscence of a bygone day.
