Breaking The Silence
Navona, 2021
9/10
Listen to Breaking The Silence
The Australian composer George Palmer draws from both autobiographical experience and poetry that is hundreds of years old here, where different musicians help lay the foundation for the chamber, orchestral and classically influenced landscape.
The title track starts the listen with concerto for cello and chamber orchestra, where the Verbrugghen Ensemble offers emotive and intricate string work as Catherine Hewgill’s cello solo adds even more beauty to the stirring 3 movements. “Ithaca” follows, and recruits clarinet and strings, as Francesco Celata’s elegant woodwind moves cautiously between Andrew Haveron’s violin, Sandro Costantino’s viola and Timothy Nankervis’ cello prowess in the sublime environment.
The second half of the listen offers the 3 precise movements of “Not Going Quietly’, where Katie Chilmaid and Emma Long bring their violin to the eloquent climate, while Jacqui Cronin, Rowena Crouch and David Campbell handle viola, cello and double bass respectively. “Time Out” exits the listen, and pairs Jeanell Carrigan’s piano with Shefali Pryor’s oboe in the bare but impactful finish that displays much ingenuity between the instruments.
A fascinating listen where each piece yields new surprises, Palmer and company tackle modern ideas and contemporary musicianship with much success on this often very moving piece of work.
Travels well with: The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- The Suite; John Robertson- Symphonies No. 4 & 5