Ark Resounding
Navona, 2023
8/10
The Ark Trio, i.e. soprano Allison Charney, cellist Kajsa William-Olsson, and pianist Reiko Uchida, highlight the work of Kim D. Sherman, Moshe Knoll and Michael Ching for these diverse vocal chamber pieces that populate their debut listen.
Sherman’s “Prairie Diary” opens the listen with Charney’s expressive pipes alongside the graceful strings of the soaring and poetic climate, and “Simplicity”, by Knoll, follows with careful cello playing that complements the stirring singing and bare but impactful keys.
On the back half, Sherman’s “Wedding Song” uses the strings and keys with much care, as the stunning singing guides the dreamy album highlight, while “Arrangements and Derangements: Interpretations of Schubert” exits with swift piano, flowing vocals and sophisticated strings comprising the unpredictable and animated 4 chapters of the Ching original.
An effort that touches on American history, Bachian and Schubertian nods, and time honored poetry, this is a superb first outing for The Ark Trio, and it will exciting to see what they come up with next.
Travels well with: Peter Sulski- Bowed Colors; Paul Cohen- Center Chamber