Storyteller
Cedille, 2024
9/10
The trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden brings her inimitable talents to these 7 world premiere works that recruit the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and Allen Tinkham.
James M. Stephenson’s “The Storyteller” starts the listen with soft winds, as graceful strings enter the rich climate that benefits much from Yvonne Lam’s elegant violin, and “Bohemian Queen”, by Clarice V. Assad, follows with a tense mood that utilizes Bowden’s precise trumpet with intrigue.
Moving towards the middle, Vivian Fung’s “Trumpet Concerto” spotlights Bowden’s diverse skills with a cinematic quality, while “Caritas” allows for the flowing strings to interact with beauty amid the mature textures via the Sarah Kirkland piece.
Residing near the end is the dreamy “Rosa d Sal”, where the trumpet and Chamber Orchestra meet at a cautious yet exciting intersection thanks to Reena Esmail’s vision, and Stephenson’s “Scram!” exits with animated gestures courtesy of the orchestra’s dynamic and glowing musicianship.
This is Bowden’s first album with a full orchestra, and third solo outing, and it’s an adventurous and well thought out affair that anyone with chamber inclinations will admire.
Travels well with: Pacifica Quartet- American Voices; Stacy Garrop- Oratorio Terra Nostra