Panorama
New Focus, 2023
9/10
The violinist Olivia De Prato returns with a sophomore solo album, where she explores the vision of the composers Missy Mazzoli, Jen Shyu, Angélica Negrón, Miya Masaoaka, and Samantha Fernando across the 5 very multi-faceted and eloquent pieces.
Mazzoli’s “Tooth And Nail” leads the listen with a mysterious quivering, as De Prato’s precise strings and Mazzoli’s hypnotic electronics mesh with much intrigue, and “Jeom Jaeng Yi (Fortune Teller)”, by Shyu, follows with just the expressive and emotive violin emitting much beauty and grace.
The title track, by Negrón, lands in the middle, and is full of dreamy ambience thanks to the glowing electronics from Negrón and the stirring strings, while “Masaoka’s “Mapping A Joyful Path” buzzes with a nearly mechanical presence via Masaoka’s sound manipulation amid tonally distinct violin. The final track, Fernando’s “Balconies”, then has De Prato blurring her instrument in the radiant and hypnotic exit that’s quite soothing.
A listen that truly takes into account the personal journey we each embark on, De Prato’s strong attention to tone, timbre and mood is certainly much appreciated on this absorbing experience.
Travels well with: Reiko Füting- Mechthild; Max Johnson- When The Streets Were Quiet