Summerland
Naxos, 2022
8/10
Considered the ‘Dean of Afro-American Composers’, William Grant Still penned nearly 200 works during the Harlem Renaissance, including 9 operas and 5 symphonies. Here, the violinist Zina Schiff and conductor Avlana Eisenberg leading the Royal Scottish National Orchestra interpret 9 of Still’s pieces.
“Can’t You Line’Em” opens the listen with a booming and bright display of soaring winds and vibrant strings that can be both dramatic and serene, and “3 Visions- No. 2 Summerland” follows with a charming intimacy that’s quite stirring in its beauty.
Deeper into the listen, “American Suite” unfolds across 3 movements of dreamy instrumentation that’s cinematic in nature and emits meticulous string interaction, while the tense “Fanfare For The 99th Fighter Squadron” sounds like it’s preparing for battle with its firm brass and thundering percussion.
Close to the end, “Violin Suite” allows Schiff’s inimitable violin skills to shine in a very precise and adventurous delivery, and “Threnody: In Memory Of Jean Sibelius” exits with a breezy demeanor that floats lightly amid an uplifting dynamic between the orchestra.
Schiff and Eisenberg are mother and daughter who have long been champions of Still’s music, and they certainly capture his diverse spirit with these exciting pieces that honor his spirit superbly.
Travels well with: Stephen Sondheim- A Little Night Music (Suite For Violin And Piano); Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo- The Book Of Imaginary Beings: The Music Of Leo Brouwer For Two Guitars