This recording took place over the course of four days at the historic Abbey Road Studios. The resulting disks both reaffirm the quality of Brubeck’s compositions and attest to the dedication and professionalism of all the performers involved. Even the improvisational sections were recorded in real time.Improvisation is the connecting link for the four works recorded here. Each contains one or more improvisatory interludes from the Dave Brubeck Quartet or the composer-pianist alone. These interludes create moments when the orchestral and choral performers give way as the jazz musicians interpret the written music. Beloved Son (1978) is an Easter oratorio in three movements, composed over an intense 21-day period for the American Lutheran Women’s Convention in Minneapolis. The text is drawn from the verses of the noted Lutheran poet, Dr. Herbert Brokering, and each of the work’s three movements takes its name from one of Brokering’s poems. `Abba Father.´ Pange Lingua Variations, (1983) subtitled `A Celebration for Sacramento,´ was commissioned by the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in the city of Sacramento, California, which is itself named for the holy sacrament of the Eucharist. The Voice of the Holy Spirit (1985) subtitled `Tongues of Fire,´ musically tells the story of Pentecost, as set down in the book of Acts. The power of the Holy Spirit descends upon Christ’s disciples in rushing wind and tongues of fire. Regret (2001) is an atmospheric piece for string orchestra incorporating an improvisatory solo by Brubeck (SACD60621)