Transmutation
Navona, 2023
8/10
The inimitable composer Joanna Estelle sees their work in the very capable hands of some trios, orchestras, singing groups and it illuminates vulnerable, personal and reflective ideas.
The listen opens with the Trio Casals and “Faraway Star”, where Anna Kislitsyna’s twinkling keys are met with stirring strings, and “Appassionato Variations” continues with the Trio Casals presence, as Alexandr Kislitsyn’s violin and Ovidiu Marinescu’s cello create a very poetic climate amid the flowing piano.
The last contribution from Trio Casals is “Fatherland”, which allows the intimate keys to radiate alongside the absorbing strings, while “I Am My Home” recruits the London Symphony Orchestra for the richly layered interaction that’s heartfelt, poetic and benefits from Ovidiu Marinescu’s solo cello.
The final piece, “Пісні з небесах [Pisnyyj z nebesach]”, has the Ewashko Singers displaying their harmonic and dreamy voices with much grace, where Grayson Nesbitt’s tenor solos won’t go unnoticed.
A record that embraces all the timeless hallmarks of orchestral and chamber sounds, Estelle’s vision is handled with much care and attention via these highly memorable tracks.
Travels well with: Randy Bauer- dis/entanglements; Kenneth Thompkins- Compelling Portraits