The 11 works on this compact disc represent four generations of American composers and a compositional time span of eight decades. In the ensemble repertoire for voice and flute, only Corigliano’s Three Irish Folksong Settings and Copland’s As It Fell Upon a Day enjoy wide recognition; the remaining works are relatively unknown and deserving of a broader audience. The artists comment: “In selecting music for this disc we sought works that define skillful text setting and showcase contrasting compositional styles. Just as American “character” defies definition because of its rich cultural blend, the American musical “style” comprises myriad voices—each distinct in its conviction.” Five of these compositions are world premiere recordings — Martin Amlin's Two Songs on Poems of Anne Fessenden; Kenneth Gaburo's Cantilena One for solo soprano; Braxton Blake's Three Songs on Poems by Marianne Moore; Ralph Shapey's Lullaby; Scott Gendel's Patterns; and Kurt Stallmann's Lumina II for solo flute.