Dove Songs
New Focus, 2019
8/10
A composer and educator whose work has been interpreted by the San Francisco Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, among many others, here David Liptak offers a collection of chamber works, where classical ideas are richly textured and executed with much imagination.
The title track starts the listen, where unpredictable piano from Alison d’Amato and expressive soprano vocals from Tony Arnold populates the pretty atmosphere that’s full of vivid storytelling, and “Impromptus” follows with Renée Jolles handling moody violin that aligns with warm keys from Margaret Kampmeier in a setting that’s capable of being haunting yet stirring.
The remainder of the listen includes the guitar fueled “The Sighs”, where careful picking and gorgeous strumming fill the 7 movements with Dieter Hennings Yeomans exploring graceful melancholy , and “Sonata For Cello And Piano” exits the listen with sublime interaction between Steven Doane and Barry Snyder.
Liptak illustrates much diversity in these 4 compositions, as his articulate, eloquent and universally embraceable vision is illuminated by the exceptional musicianship that is Dove Songs.
Travels well with: The Crossing- Rising w/The Crossing; Dimensions Vol. 3; Works For Large Ensemble