Fanfare Suite
Navona, 2021
8/10
Mark John McEncroe’s work has been quite visible lately, and here he returns with 6 pieces that were originally scored for his 2015 effort, Affirmations & Aspirations. Now with the talent of the Sydney Scoring Orchestra on hand, the tracks are reborn with Stephen Williams as conductor.
The title track starts the listen with 4 movements spanning 40 minutes, where fuller moments of bright, orchestral beauty are met with calmer ebbs of introspection. Deeper into the listen, the strong brass presence complements the strategic woodwinds in the busy but precise atmosphere.
"Celebration Of The Natural World” follows, where a symphonic poem unfolds with eloquent woodwind prowess that, without words, tells a moving story as Williams guides the ensemble in and out of cinematic textures.
The album exits on the “The Passing”, which brings both tension and grace to a very eclectic landscape that’s capable of light and airy moments, just as it is bold, loud flashes of proficient interplay between the many instruments.
Though the songs here may have been intended for an orchestra, here they’re rearranged for a concert band, and the setting helps illuminate a different avenue of McEncroe’s song craft that certainly runs parallel to the greatness present in his entire catalog.
Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth; Prisma Vol. 3- Contemporary Works For Orchestra