Polarities Vol. 2
Navona, 2021
8/10
A classically inspired listen that showcases the visions of Margaret Brandman, Brian Latchem, Beth Mehocic, Mel Mobley, Kamala Sankaram and Larry Wallach, the composers rely on some very esteemed ensembles to flesh out the timeless musicianship.
“Spirit Visions” starts the listen with a symphonic tone poem, where the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra flows in and out of cautious melodies that showcase incredible string work, and “Tango Concerto” follows with Charlene Farrugia’s skilled piano and Franko Bozac’s precise accordion adding much to the bare beauty versus fuller bouts of cultured song craft.
“Species Of Motion” and “91919” occupy the middle of the album, where the Janáček Philharmonic orchestra provide a tense and captivating mood on the former, and the latter finds the Zagreb Festival Orchestra providing a dreamy, sparse quality that builds into cinematic swells of soaring song craft.
The final 2 tracks, “Labored Breathing” and “Suffolk Variations”, are both held down by the Janáček Philharmonic, and they shift from calm moments to firm bursts of chamber sounds, as sublime string manipulation is executed with much grace, especially with regard to the viola.
A truly exceptional project in the area of orchestral sounds, each composition here weaves around its unique textures and strong attention to detail, which makes for a very fulfilling listening experience.
Travels well with: Various Artists- Sustain Vol. 2; Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra- Prisma Vol. 5: Contemporary Works For Orchestra