George Crumb's series of “American Songbooks” has been the composer's primary occupation during the last decade, and the largest project of the composer's career. American Songbooks II and IV were composed for the forces that give them their premiere recording on this two-disc set. “Crumb is a national treasure, and one of the very few contemporary composers whose new works are worth waiting for. These song cycles are masterpieces, plain and simple, and you must hear them.” ClassicsToday

The soprano Barbara Ann Martin and Orchestra 2001 have been among George Crumb's greatest champions, and are the dedicatees of both of these cycles. As George Crumb nears his 80th birthday in 2009, Bridge Records nears completion of its Complete Crumb Edition.