Sandburg Songs
Albany, 2021
9/10
The Hong Kong resident Matthew Schreibeis has an impressive resume that includes orchestral, chamber and vocal music, and here he offers us 5 pieces that span minimal to busy in his colorful, imaginative vision.
“Inner Truth” starts the listen with Daniel Pesca’s fascinating and atmospheric piano work mesmerizing us for the 10+ minute opener, and “Noticing” follows with Sammy Lesnick’s precise clarinet and Hanna Hurwitz’s quivering violin working together to produce a mysterious and, later on, aberrant climate.
Moving on, “In Search Of Planet X” brings Lesnick’s clarinet, Hurwitz’s violin and Pesca’s keys into a very dynamic and energetic display of unpredictable chamber ideas, while “They Say” allows Dieter Hennings’ guitar prowess to shine across 3 movements where he manipulates his instrument in ways that don’t seem possible.
The last track and title track is the standout, and recruits all the players in the album up to this point, as well as Molly Barth on flute, Colin Stokes with cello, Paul Vaillancourt handling percussion, and Tony Arnold’s soaring soprano as the exit gets thick while pushing and pulling with emotion, exploration and calmer ebbs of pretty song craft.
Much like everything Schreibeis has been a part of, Sandburg Songs is aglow with intricate drama and a distinct imagery as all the musicians here use their talents to blur the lines of classical, orchestral and chamber sounds with allure.
Travels well with: Joseph Fennimore- Blow: Music For Winds And Piano; Dave Walther- Distance