Soul Of A Nation: Portraits Of Presidential Character
Albany, 2018
8/10
Listen to Soul Of A Nation: Portraits Of Presidential Character
An album that pays tribute to some of our country’s greatest leaders, the composer and conductor Victoria Bond has plenty of esteemed help here, where 4 lengthy tracks of classical, chamber and orchestral sounds are all at once powerful, restrained and timeless.
The title track, which is a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, starts the listen with Frank Almond’s emotive and inviting violin, as Henry Fogel narrates. Though the opener leads bare, when we get near the middle, the Roosevelt University Chamber Orchestra helps the tune build into busy, dramatic and soaring display of chamber and orchestral prowess.
“The Indispensable Man”, for Franklin Roosevelt, follows with proficient drums and charming clarinet by John Bruce Yeh, as the 15 minute track welcomes firm storytelling, moments of light, dreamy song craft and even playful brass thanks to the Chicago College Of Performing Arts Wind Ensemble, who are present on all the remaining tracks, too.
The back half of the listens leads with “The Crowded Hours”, and highlights Theodore Roosevelt, where the glorious trumpet of Mark Ridenour is complemented by Ray Frewen’s narration, and benefits greatly from Stephen Squires at conductor. “Peter Patriae” honors George Washington and exits the listen, and showcases Gabriela Vargas on flute, as Adrian Dunn handles the spoken portion alongside marching band style drumming, plenty of majestic melody and incredible musicianship that’s flowing with grace.
A project with no shortage of solos and that radiates much beauty, Bond has a diverse and very accomplished catalog of music, and Soul Of A Nation is right at the top of that list.
Travels well with: Zixiang Wang- First Piano Sonatas; Beth Levin- Hammerklavier Live