Composer David Lang put together the extended meditation on mortality called Death Speaks with some very distinctive musicians in mind: vocalist Shara Worden, violinist, pianist (and fellow composer) and guitarist Bryce Dessner. The result is a haunting and momentous title work - by turns exquisitely delicate and ruthlessly unforgiving, both in texture and in emotional punch, and enlivened by the unusual textures Lang creates with this quartet of performers. The album pairing is the brilliant and luminous Depart, multi-tracked by cellist, which offers welcome relief. --Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR Best Classical Albums of 2013