Ready Or Not
Azica, 2022
8/10
A very accomplished listen comprised of works by female composers, Palaver Strings welcomes the vision of Grazyna Bacewicz, Maddalena Casulana, Barbara Strozzi, Akenya Seymour, Liz Knowles and Elizabeth Moore to these expressive compositions.
“Concerto For String Orchestra”, by Bacewicz, opens the listen with soaring, firm strings that flow with both tension and grace across 3 chapters of extremely meticulous instrumentation, and “Non Puó il mio cuore” follows with a stirring and cautious approach in the very unique landscape.
“Lagrime mie” occupies the middle spot and recruits Sophie Michaux’s powerful mezzo-soprano for the emotive and poetic album highlight, while Seymour’s “Fear The Lamb” is quite playful between its charming picking, cinematic swells and sublime intimacy.
“Treehouse/Jig for John #2/Fore Street” exits the listen, and displays 10 minutes of fiddle acrobatics, a warm jig and traditional Irish nods, where Moore and Knowles’ artistry won’t go unappreciated.
Historically, women’s contributions to classical music have been significantly overlooked, but here they’re front and center on some very diverse pieces that the Portland, ME ensemble certainly preserve with much integrity and an unparalleled attention to detail.
Travels well with: Catalyst Quartet- Uncovered Vol. 2: Florence B. Price; Apollo Chamber Players- With Malice Towards None