Autumn Winds
Ravello, 2020
8/10
The esteemed composer Kirk O’Riordan has an impressive cast fleshing out these 4 pieces, as Holly Roadfeldt handles keys, Peter Dutilly offers his viola skills and Ann Moss brings her impressive pipes to this chamber filled experience.
“Four Beautiful Songs” starts the album with fierce piano playing and strong viola prowess as Ann Moss delivers flawlessly with her soaring soprano on the only track to feature all 3 artists, and “Prayer Stones” complements the affair with cautious keys amid haunting strings in the instrumental offering.
The 2nd half of the listen leads with 15 chapters of “Autumn Winds”, where the piano moves in bare, emotive ways, before erupting into quivering moments on the haikus by Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, while “Beautiful Nightmares” ends the listen with 10 minutes of beauty as Roadfeldt plays with proficient and timeless skill that recruits a surreal appeal.
Often minimal and always daring, fans of early 20th century art music will certainly be enamored here, as will those with an ear for poetic and elegant chamber sounds.
Travels well with: Clickable- The Art Of Persuasion; Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth