Symphonies No. 4 & 5
Navona, 2021
8/10
Listen to Symphonies No. 4 & 5
The New Zealand/Canadian composer John Robertson is aligned with the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra and conductor Anthony Armoré here, where 3 lengthy symphonies are fleshed out with a very striking and grand presence.
"Symphony #4 Op. 73” starts the listen with playful woodwinds in an elegant and sometimes forceful setting where loud brass and thundering drums add a majestic quality to the 3 movements.
“Meditation: In Flanders Fields Op, 70” takes the middle spot, as ominous storytelling unfolds alongside moody strings that illuminate the indeed soothing atmosphere that even gets a bit dreamy.
The last track, “Symphony #5 Op. 75”, flows with both busy and bare moments in 30+ minutes of unpredictable and thriving songwriting that’s both timeless and captivating.
A record that’s heavy on neoclassical ideas while tipping its hat to 20th century composers, Robertson dives into darker ideas here that are often very deliberate and buried in mystery, and it’s certainly appreciated and worthy of repeated listens.
Travels well with: Mark John McEncroe- Fanfare Suite; The Newberry Consort- Vespers