Here At The River
Navona, 2025
8/10
The Winona Symphony Orchestra and conductor Erik Rohde come together for these songs about the immense amount of natural wonder to be found in Minnesota.
Larsen’s “Raspberry Island Dreaming” leads with Clara Osowski’s stunning mezzo-soprano guiding the orchestra’s powerful and detailed interaction, and “Minnesota Suite”, by Moya, follows with dramatic moments that are also poetic and rich with grace.
On the back half, “Superior”, by Bergman, comes with a darker presence that’s cinematic and intimate, while “Emergency Haying” exits with 21+ minutes of busy bouts and rich interaction, where Alan Dunbar’s stunning bass baritone won’t go unappreciated.
An effort that captures the splendor of the Land Of 10,000 Lakes, there’s much beauty to absorb, much like Minnesota.
Travels well with: David Owens- Sky Legends: The Music Of David Owens; Scott Brickman- Baltic Sketches