The remarkable women of The Crossing offer a recording that is as virtuosic as it is emotional, resonating with recurring themes of desire and strength, peace, and longing. The ensemble’s affinity for the unique compositional style of Pulitzer Laureate David Lang is heard in his provocative and humorous “this condition” (2005), his wrenching “I live in pain” (written for the ensemble in 2010) and the title track, the driven, moving “I want to live” (2004).

For this, their second album, ZOFO returns with exciting, high energy duet works by another group of noted 20th century composers, all American – George Gershwin, Conlon Nancarrow, Allen Shawn, Samuel Barber, John Corigliano and Paul Schoenfield. The pieces featured on Mosh Pit explore a wide range of evocative dance styles and rhythms, from Gershwin’s driving rumba in “Cuban Overture” to Barber’s sensuous “Hesitation-Tango” to Paul Schoenfield’s dizzying “Boogie” from Five Days from the Life of a Manic Depressive. Drawing inspiration from classical, modern, jazz, and rock and roll forms, the Mosh Pit repertoire and ZOFO’s inspired performances might tempt you to the dance floor.