Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine
Albany, 2023
8/10
Listen to Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine
In a career that spanned 70 years, Vivian Fine penned more than 140 works, and here we’re treated to 6 that are flute focused, where Erin K. Murphy’s flute and Hyejin Cho’s piano are joined by many other players.
“Four Pieces For Two Flutes” opens the listen with the animated flute and Andrew W. Parker’s expressive oboe interacting with both beauty and mystery in the colorful climate, and “Sonatina for Oboe and Piano” continues the sophisticated gestures with Cho’s piano adding playfulness to dreamy flute from Murphy.
In the middle, “Duo For Flute And Viola” pairs Jacqueline Skara’s viola with the cautious flute for a unique intimacy, while “Dreamscape” is very involved, and is populated by Murphy’s flute and Alexandra Aguirre (flute); Shelley Martinson (flute); Bree Ahern (cello); Hyejin Cho (piano); Cheldon Gatz (percussion); Christian Hines (percussion); Derek Johnson (percussion); Raygan Mida (percussion); Corbin Thrush (percussion); Benjamin Murphy (lawnmower) and Brad Genevro’s conducting for the cinematic and lush album highlight.
The final piece, “Canticles from the Other Side of the River”, exits with a very gripping performance, where the winds, strings and percussion emit charming gestures that embrace classical ideas, too.
Only 2 of Fine’s flute pieces have been professionally recorded, and this project fills in the gaps with much diversity and chamber sensibilities that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: Ketty Nez- far sight sun light; Steven Gerber- String Quartets