Que Sais-Je?
New Focus, 2025
9/10
The composer Amos Elkana presents a one hour long piece that explores the philosophy and life of his father, Yehuda Elkana, and enlists the Meitar Ensemble, tenor Topi Lehtipuu and conductor Pierre-André Valade.
The elder Elkana opens the listen with spoken word, which quotes Gertrude Stein, and it isn’t long until adventurous flutes enter that match the firm keys.
Further into the track, the moody bassoon aligns with rich and textured strings, though the clarinet’s presence can’t be overlooked, nor can the younger Elkana’s occasional electronics that add much to the textured presence.
Inching to the end, the spoken word is mixed in with the busy strings and winds that can be dramatic, are certainly dynamic and relay power and emotion.
A highly articulate chamber effort, Elkana’s vision is sometimes haunting, other times harmonic and always poetic and further solidifies his artistic capabilities.
Travels well with: Alejandro Flórez- Beaches Of Riches; Ryan Vigil- Vigil Vol. 1