Legends And Light Vol. 3
Navona, 2023
8/10
Listen to Legends And Light Vol. 3
A collection of new works for large ensembles that are fleshed out by the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, we’re treated to 5 pieces by modern composers for the expressive, classical sounds.
Ben Marino’s “Tenebron” begins the listen with giant percussion and dynamic strings making for cinematic swells of grace and mystery, and “Binn an tsíorsholais (the Peak of Eternal Light)”, by Fergus Johnston, follows with a meticulous attention to mood, where dreamy bouts are met with tension, too.
Joungmin Lee’s “Sanctuary Tree” lands in the middle and uses booming brass strategically amid the minimal versus dense bursts, while “L’arte Di Volare (the Art of Flying)”, the best piece, is populated by mesmerizing, cryptic instrumentation in the Raffaele Marcellino composition. The final track, Josef Suk’s “Serenade, Op. 6” then showcases lifting, gorgeous string interaction that we could never tire of.
A listen that displays an acute contrast between darkness and light, there’s a unique artistic quality to these orchestral driven ideas that really allows for the classical template to radiate.
Travels well with: Animo Two; Globe Travel Homeland