Running With Horses
Navona, 2025
8/10
The inimitable composer Laurie Christman pens songs that surround both love and loss, where orchestral works fleshed out by the esteemed London Symphony Orchestra and award-winning conductor Robert Ziegler are present.
The elegant “Rolling Fields” opens with the stirring strings radiating tremendous beauty and grace, and the title track follows with the dreamy winds and soaring strings interacting via a cinematic appeal.
“Sylvan Suite” and “Meadow Suite” land in the middle. The former offers 3 movements of animated and melodic gestures, while the latter is rich with layers and lush songwriting that’s equal parts heartfelt and adventurous.
Arriving late, “Wedding Suite” is indeed a romantic moment of dreamy and intimate playing, and “Winds Blowing” exits with well timed percussion and soft versus firm bouts.
An emotional body of work that embraces meticulous, orchestral dynamics, there is plenty of passion, power and expressiveness to absorb.
Travels well with: Reza Vali- The Darkness Of Fury; The Han(한/恨) And Heung(흥/興) Odyssey: Global Sounds Of Resilience & Joy