Five Minutes For Earth
Azica, 2023
9/10
Listen to Five Minutes For Earth
An American classical harpist with a giant body of work, Yolanda Kondonassis celebrates our planet and the obstacles surrounding preserving it across this solo harp listen that spotlights some of today’s most revered composers.
“Kohola Sings (Humpback Whales)” opens the listen with much swirling beauty, as the dreamy string acrobatics unfold with unparalleled beauty in the Takuma Itoh piece, and “Hear The Dust Blow” follows with sublime intimacy radiating from the introspective song craft of Michael Daugherty’s vision.
Deeper into the listen, Keith Fitch’s “Earth Dreams” flows with very cautious, atmospheric manipulation of her instrument, while the twinkling spirit of “Time Lapse”, by Patrick Harlin, emits so much warmth and comfort from the meticulous playing.
Close to the end, “Earthview” is full of strong attention to mood via the cinematic and fluid progressions of the Nathaniel Heyder piece, and Stephen Hartke’s “Fault Line” exits with a lower register that’s mysterious and captivating.
A listen that’s all substance, the important themes match the flawless playing that draws the listener in from the first note, and keeps them engaged throughout.
Travels well with: Miriam K. Smith- Momentum; Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike