Dancing In The Palm Of God’s Hand
Navona, 2023
9/10
Listen to Dancing In The Palm Of God’s Hand
A diverse body of work from the esteemed composer J.A. Kawarsky, the tracks here revolve around bare solo pieces, vulnerable chamber music, and large orchestral works, where an uplifting presence is quite appealing regardless of your religious beliefs.
“Grace Dances for Oboe and Strings” begins the listen with the Zagreb Festival Orchestra’s stirring strings and J. Ricardo Castañeda’s bright oboe interacting with much warmth and grace, and “3 Solos for Saxophone” follows with Jonathan Helton using both alto and soprano sax in very precise ways that showcase his meticulous nature that’s quite reflective.
“Charlottesville: 12 August 2017” resides in the middle and recruits the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra for the soaring, cinematic presence of stunning musicianship, while “Rejoice, O Young Man” places J. Ricardo Castañeda in a solo oboe setting with a very gripping delivery that has the listener hanging on every note.
The listen exits with “Dancing in the Palm of God’s Hand”, where Jillian Krempasky’s mezzo-soprano is quite powerful and melodic amid the Zagreb Festival Orchestra’s bright playing and Jonathan Helton’s well timed alto saxophone.
A recording that surrounds the dynamics between between human and God, Kawarsky’s work inches right up philosophical ideas, and the excellent players on hand illuminate his vision flawlessly.
Travels well with: Hilary Tann- Luminaria Magna; Edward Hart- Under An Indigo Sky