Against War
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The always impressive composer Stanley Grill returns with 9 new pieces, where Lisa Rombach’s soprano and the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice are in attendance for a Music for Peace Project installment.
The powerful and emotive “Declaration Of Peace” starts the listen with soft and agile instrumentation that spends 11+ minutes mesmerizing us with its depth, and “Against War (Casualty)” follows with dreamy winds that embrace Rombach’s pretty and expressive pipes.
Further along, “Against War (Stones And Bones)” makes great use of dense brass in a more dramatic environment, while “Against War (The New Rapture)” pays close attention to mood via the poetic and eloquent vocals and dreamy versus busy textures.
“Everything Passes” exits the listen, and in over 16 minutes it emits much intimacy and grace, where Rombach’s inimitable pipes steer the rich and touching musicianship.
Also lending a hand are Marek Stilec on conducting, Jiri Stilec on production and Vaclav Roubel acting as recording engineer. Together, they illuminate Grill’s ability to instill solace and hope during these often turbulent times.
Travels well with: Stanley Grill- We Will Not Forget; Stanley Grill- Ahimsa