The Priestess Of Morphine
Navona, 2021
8/10
Listen to The Priestess Of Morphine
Under the skilled vision of composer Rosśa Crean and Libretto Aiden K. Feltkamp, The Priestess Of Morphine tells the story of Gertrud Gunther, who was a young Jewish lesbian caught up in much turmoil during the Third Reich.
The album leads with the bare, fascinating manipulation of strings in the very graceful, emotive “Prelude”, and “The Awakening” follows with a more playful approach as Jessie Lyons brings her strong soprano to the eloquent atmosphere.
In the middle, “Morphine” benefits greatly from Alex Giger’s precise violin and Stephen Hudson’s moody cello as both Lyons and Katherine Bruton’s expressive pipes illuminate the setting, while “Tumbling” enters darker areas where Ben Zucker’s strategic vibraphone, Crean’s waterphone and Bruton’s diverse delivery interact with mystery.
At the end, “The Harvest Song” is an a cappella track where both vocalists work together to radiate much beauty, and “The Flower Of Oblivion” exits the listen with a swirling blend of strings, vibraphone and Bruton’s soaring voice.
A listen that’s precisely textured, often powerful and not short on a poetic demeanor, the storyline of bravery and passion suits the equally daring and ebullient songwriting from the exceptional ensemble.
Travels well with: Carl Vollrath- Transit Voices; The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- The Suite