Last
Ecstatic, 2025
9/10
The always impressive composer Michael Torke pens an album for solo violin and string orchestra, where 12 miniature slow movements are fleshed out with superb attention to detail.
“Last Fall” opens with the East Coast Chamber Orchestra’s stirring presence alongside Siwoo Kim’s heartfelt violin playing, and “Last Winter” follows with playful string plucking that radiates a sense of wonder and awe.
In the middle, “Last Year” comes with a poetic ambience via the intimate violin and lush background strings, while “Last Month” finds a chilling place to reside thanks to Kim’s meticulous fingers and the strategic cello playing.
Inching closer to the end, “Last Thursday” offers an emotive and mesmerizing album highlight that speaks volumes with no words, and “Last Sunday” exits with a friskiness that’s isn’t short on grace and cautious string interaction, too.
The truly stunning performance from Kim and the chamber orchestra won’t go unappreciated here, and thematically the songs remind us to live in the moment but also respond to the past.
Travels well with: Michael Torke- Time; Miró Quartet- Ginastera String Quartets