Dimensions Vol. 5
Navona, 2023
8/10
This 5th installment in the Dimensions series spotlights 7 composers for a diverse, orchestral affair that’s both traditional and modern, and emits an emotive and rich delivery.
“Rememoramini”, by Nan Avant, begins the listen with Charlene Farrugia’s piano, Franko Božac’s bandoneon and the Zagreb Festival Orchestra making for a very warm and graceful delivery that’s heartfelt and poetic, and Christine Jancarz’s “Fate of the Wolf Concert Overture” follows with the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra's agile strings and dynamic interaction that uses booming percussion, too.
Further along, Joseph T. Spaniola’s “The First Step” is populated by Radek Joska’s bassoon and the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava’s cautious attention to detail for the cinematic and tense moments, while “Sinfonia” unfolds across 3 chapters of bright and lush ideas from the Filharmonie Brno that illuminate Scott Brickman’s timeless vision.
“Intermezzo Sinfonico” exits the listen, as the Pietro Mascagni piece is executed by the South Czech Philharmonic for a very intimate, dreamy finish that’s quite stirring.
A listen that takes inspiration from an opera about a mystical wolf, bouts of uncertainty and reflection in life, the music of Handel, and traditional Latvian folk music, each movement here radiates a very compelling, orchestral approach.
Travels well with: Meira Warshauer- Ocean Calling; Courtney Carey- I Wanna Be Ready