OceanRiverLake
New Focus, 2024
9/10
The esteemed composer Arther Levering pens a diverse record, where orchestra, quartet, trio and solo settings emit much adventurousness and care via the 4 distinct selections.
The title track begins the listen, and it recruits the Boston Modern Orchestra for the 3 rich chapters that are quite cinematic in scope, and “Giocattolo” follows with Sarah Brady’s piccolo, Maarten Stragier’s guitar and Donald Berman’s celesta interacting with wonder and mysterious dynamics.
The back half offers the flowing strings of “Squeezebox”, where the Lydian String Quartet emit much grace and beauty via the meticulous delivery, and Berman’s piano populates “Garland For Steven Stucky”, as the keys balance bare and busy moments that finish the affair.
A body of work not short on detail and clarity, Levering’s brand of fusion is stunning from beginning to end.
Travels well with: David Kaplan- New Dances Of The League Of David; The Rhythm Method- Pastorale