A Thousand Thoughts

Kronos have cemented a reputation for focusing on repertoire from the 20th century (and later, 21st) and commissioning new works. Presenting 10 new recordings and five classics, *A Thousand Thoughts* is a reminder of other aspects of the group, namely their international and musically collaborative nature. Each track of this 40th-anniversary compilation is taken from a different country, ranging from the U.S. (the Texas blues of Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground”) and China (the traditional “The Round Sun and Crescent Moon in the Sky,” with Wu Man’s four-stringed *pipa*) to Ethiopia (“Aha Gdawao”) and Argentina (Astor Piazzolla’s “Asleep,” featuring the *nuevo tango* maestro himself on bandon). Accordionist Tony MacMahon is the soloist for the Irish air “An Buachaillin Ban,” with Kronos providing ethos-laden accompaniment. A stirring live recording of “Danny Boy” closes, with vocalist Don Wasler and his The Pure Texas Band.

The legendary experimental string quartet reissue five quintessential releases in a big ol’ box, and somehow still have enough ideas left over for a great new LP.

A Thousand Thoughts, whose title comes from the traditional Swedish melody that opens the program, is not a release of new material but a compilation of prior Kronos Quartet performances that draw on international materials.