Caprice Reimagined
New Focus, 2025
9/10
The UK natural hornist Isaac Shieh commissions a solo effort, where no lack of creativity, emotion and agility surrounds the 2 discs of modern classical ideas.
Ele’s “Dai Fujikura” opens with the animated and quivering horn emitting a very distinct tonality that’s both firm and soft, and “Douze Grands Caprices, Op. 32: Caprice No. 2” follows with 3 minutes of rich and expressive playing from Shieh’s very capable skillset.
Moving along, Michael Finnissy’s “Six Caprices” uses 6 chapters to radiate warmth and grace amid some frisky bouts, too, while "Fabric Of The Universe” emits an atypical intimacy in its heartfelt and poetic vision of the Amanda Cole piece.
Getting closer to the end, Scott Wollschleger’s “YOU ARE PERFECT JUST AS YOU ARE” carries a cinematic quality via the intriguing chord tones and microtonal coloring, and “DOCK LEAF”, by Robin Haigh, exits with authentic melodies that tips it hat to the roots of the horn in the natural world.
A very diverse and unpredictable effort, Shieh’s unparalleled technical abilities help make every selection ambitious, rhythmic and articulate like few others could.
Travels well with: Kay Rhie- Cereus; Per Bloland- Shadows Of The Electric Moon