Modern Sounds In Classical Music
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to Modern Sounds In Classical Music
Eric Heilner didn’t take the usual route to finding classical music, as he spent most of time playing blues, rock and R&B. Not until he was in his 60’s did he start studying classical sounds, and this well thought out first album arrives after 6 years of work in the genre.
“Exercise For Viola & Piano” starts the listen with the 2 instruments interacting together for 9 minutes as classical ideas are explored with both sophistication and playfulness, and “Bounce #3” follows with flute, clarinet, viola, guitar and piano in the sublimely layered display of melody amid hypnotic flourishes that even recruits some rock influences in the guitar.
In the middle, “SQrt- Season 1 Episode” comes in 3 installments that vary from busy, almost hectic, to soft and pensive, and, ultimately, finishing upbeat and dynamic as violin, viola and cello dance around each other with awe. “The Source Of The Beat” exits the listen with a flurry of 4 saxophones as each one still finds a place to shine amid the crowded, unpredictable delivery.
An aptly titled debut, although Heilner has spent his life playing keyboards, it turns out that he’s talented at composing, too, as evidenced by this eclectic and adventurous effort.
Travels well with: Edward Smaldone- Once And Again; Jorma Tapio & Kaski- Aliseen