Wings
Acis, 2024
9/10
The inimitable composer Rami Levin makes quite an impression on this debut album, where an all star cast of players are in attendance for 7 rich chamber selections.
“Asas (Wings)” starts with Barbara Drapcho’s lovely clarinet and Mathias Tacke’s precise violin interacting with Kuang-Hao Haung’s elegant keys, and “Saudade (Longing)” follows with Denis Azabagic’s swirling guitar that radiates much intimacy and emotion.
The wind focused “Reflections Of Reflections (11.11.11) arrives in the middle and allows for Jennifer Clippert’s flute, Erica Anderson’s oboe, Barbara Drapcho’s clarinet, Collin Anderson’s bassoon and Jeremiah Frederick’s horn to radiate much warmth and melody, while “Caprichosa (Capricious)” is just Eugenia Moliner’s dreamy flute and Lillian Lau’s colorful harp emitting beauty and wonder.
The final piece, “Four English Songs”, presents glorious singing via Alisa Jordheim’s soprano, as Moliner’s flute, Lau’s harp and Azabagic’s guitar dance around with plenty of energy and grace.
The works here were penned over 22 years and represent Levin’s diverse, worldly and exciting chamber vision that we could never tire of.
Travels well with: Matthew Dirst- J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I; Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square