Balance Of Power
Naxos, 2022
8/10
The American orchestral composer Peter Boyer brings us 8 of his recent compositions, where the London Symphony Orchestral helps flesh out the cinematic, sweeping and glowing song craft that welcomes some esteemed guests, too.
“Curtain Raiser” starts the listen with vibrant strings and booming drumming in the very animated and dramatic setting, and the title track follows with 18+ minutes of intimate ebbs, where the dreamy winds help build into a majestic presence that again retreats to calm.
In the middle, “Rolling River” moves with a stirring, gorgeous display of sublime string interaction, while “Elegy” brings in Christine Powell on English horn and Bryn Lewis on harp for the mesmerizing and reflective album highlight.
Further yet, “In The Cause Of The Free” enlists James Fountain’s trumpet for a very soulful and poetic demeanor, and “Fanfare, Hymn And Finale” exits with a firm, thumping and triumphant spirit of loud drums, energetic horns and dynamic strings.
The songs here were commissioned for the the 95th birthday of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and were also composed for the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021, and they represent the scope of Boyer’s talents, as well as the spirit of America with much attention to detail.
Travels well with: Margaret Brouwer- Reactions; Frederic Hand- Across Time