For A Younger Self
Orchid Classics, 2024
9/10
The first platform for symphony orchestra from the Academy Award winning composer Kris Bowers, this emotive body of work recruits Charles Yang and the American Youth Symphony for 4 very well thought out selections.
The title tracks starts the listen with 3 in depth chapters. “Moderato ma non troppo” begins with Yang’s gripping violin alongside the atmospheric and moody backdrop via the AYS, and “Larghetto (Gently)” takes that lead into an intimate and dreamy display of poetic and heartfelt song craft that illustrates incredible strings.
This portion exits with the animated gestures of “Presto (With Ease and Confidence)”, where the lively mood showcases tremendous interaction between Yang and the orchestra.
The last selection, Arnold Schoenberg’s “Chamber Symphony No. 1”, is quite rich and unpredictable thanks to the charming winds and well timed brass that unfold with cinematic qualities.
An enlightening set of performances, Carlos Izcaray’s conducting won’t go unappreciated, where the players and Yang’s presence blend classical, orchestra and chamber moments into detailed and memorable songwriting.
Travels well with: John-Henry Crawford- Dvořák | Tchaikovsky; Scott Wollschleger- Between Breath