Album DescriptionA wonderful survey of the chamber music of Washington DC-based composer and pianist Haskell Small, from 1978's Suite for Cello to 2000's Twelve Snippets for flute, clarinet, cello and piano, The Twisted Pine Branch is a testament to this composer's versatility, wit and charm. Featuring an international array of guest artists, including oboist Gerard Reuter, the New York Philharmonic's Principal French hornist Philip Meyers, soprano Judith Nicosia, Spanish cellist Ignacio Alcover, Japanese bassoonist Shigeru Ota and violinist Mayumi Pawel, this disc showcases superb chamber works by Haskell Small, who has also recently recorded his renowned Symphony for Solo Piano for Albany and a CD of children's tales, Once Upon A Time for Ongaku. As a pianist, Mr. Small has performed throughout the United States and Japan, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, National Gallery of Art, Kennedy Center, and the Spoleto Festival. He has been the recipient of solo recital grants from the NEA and was a top prizewinner at the J.S. Bach International Piano Competition.