Some Favored Nook
New Focus, 2023
8/10
A highly creative listen that captures Emily Dickinson’s texts to the abolitionist and author Thomas Wentworth Higginson, the composer Eric Nathan employs the librettist Mark Campbell and the singers Tony Arnold and William Sharp, as well as the pianist Seth Knopp for the 3 parts.
Part 1 opens the listen with the soft and graceful piano creating a very reflective mood, as the soaring soprano from Arnold and Sharp’s deep pipes alternate for the expressive landscape.
Part II arrives in the middle, and welcomes firm key progressions on “VI: To see if we were growing”, where Sharp’s robust pipes won’t go unnoticed, while later on, “XII: Attending to the wounded” is full of sublime beauty thanks to Arnold’s flowing voice and the emotive piano.
Part III finishes with 2 chapters, where a unique dreaminess and harmonic presence guides the eloquent, often bare delivery of two people carrying a long distance communication.
A chamber fueled listen that showcases incredible singing, Nathan’s vision surrounds slavery and the American Civil War, and the bouts of marching, galloping rhythms and powerful vocals capture the intimate contact superbly.
Travels well with: Christopher Whyte- Cold Stability; John Aylward- Oblivion