Symphony No. 4: For The Soul
Navona, 2025
8/10
Listen to Symphony No. 4: For The Soul
The inimitable composer Lawrence Mumford enlists the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava and a trio of conductors for these 5 detailed pieces that interpret the ideas of internal struggles of duty, sacrifice, and hope.
“Prelude. The Race Before Us” opens the listen with Stanislav Vavřínek’s precise conducting amid the dynamic strings and rich attention to detail via the animated textures, and “Of Times and Seasons” follows with a cautious spirit, where Vavřínek guides the waves of beauty and grace.
The middle spot belongs to “Hope and a Future”, which moves swiftly with a booming presence thanks to Jan Kučera’s conducting that’s cinematic, while Jiří Petrdlík is in attendance across “Sacrifice”, which uses winds and drumming strategically for the album’s best. “In Golden Light” exits, and also enlists Petrdlík for the heartfelt and intimate moment that builds into dense strings and dancing winds.
A classical body of work that’s rife with tonality and symphonic songwriting, the calm moments and busy bouts all mesh well under Mumford’s distinct vision.
Travels well with: Talon Smith- Debut; Marcus Eley- That’s A Different Groove