Art Song Colorado
DASP, 2023
8/10
A new children’s opera from the music of Ben Morris and the libretto of Laura Fuentes, Colorado Sky brings in Claire McCahan, Sabina Balsamo, Andrew Garland, the Lírios Quartet and Nicholas Carthy for 9 very expressive pieces.
“Prologue” begins the listen with alluring singing before the strings enter a vibrant and soaring landscape of beauty, and “Home At Least” follows with strong attention to mood via the stirring violin, as McCahan’s stunning mezzo soprano guides the powerful storytelling.
Moving along, “Move Along” spotlights Chas Carbard’s gripping cello alongside Garland’s booming baritone, while “Sky’s Aria” pairs the meticulous plucking that is full of bare beauty and dynamic string interaction that’s both tense and pretty.
Approaching the end, the highly animated “Coyote Attack” showcases Balsamo’s stunning soprano range with gorgeous howling and dancing strings, and “Finale” exits with Yuri Santos’ strategic viola amid the vivid storytelling
A superbly eloquent and fascinating listen that surrounds the reintroduction of wolves to the state, Morris’ vision is one of a lush and emotive appeal, and the delivery from Ben Goldstein and Maggie Brady’s violins won’t disappoint, either.
Travels well with: Art Song Colorado- El Rebelde; Maya Magub- Consolations