Requiem
Acis, 2024
9/10
A highly meticulous display of chorus and string orchestra sounds, the 11 tracks here make for intimate and harmonic moments of beauty and intrigue.
The glorious and lush “Requiem And Kyrie” starts the listen with the uplifting voices cultivating a touching landscape, and “Dies Irae” follows with the quivering strings and animated singing meshing via a dynamic delivery.
“Quid Sum Miser- Rex Tremendae” arrives in the middle and is layered with rich strings and baritone voices, while “Lacrimosa” presents flowing and meticulous interaction from the Cincinnati String Ensemble, which suits the bright storytelling.
Landing near the end, “Agnus Dei”, the best track, showcases the soaring and flawless voices amid powerful strings, and “Lux Aeterna” exits with cinematic bursts and intensity versus minimal nods.
An often dramatic body of work that explores serenity and hope, Beck’s vision is executed with tremendous skill and memorable instrumentation.
Travels well with: Shawn Crouch- Chaos Theory; Ian Pomerantz/Byron Schenkman- Art Songs Of The Jewish Diaspora