The Bridge
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The esteemed composer Stanley Grill is in the company of Brett Deubner’s viola, Marek Štilec’s conducting and the Komorní filharmonie Pardubice for this symphonic fantasy for viola and orchestra inspired by the 15 poems in Hart Crane's epic poem of America, The Bridge.
“To Brooklyn Bridge” begins the listen with glowing bells and soothing strings, where both beauty and grace unfold with sublime detail, and “Ave Maria” follows with a booming tension that’s firm and swirls with a distinct energy.
Deeper into the listen, “The Dance” is full of warm energy that allows the winds to emit a dreaminess, while “Cutty Sark” glows with a creative, cinematic quality.
“Virginia” arrives close to the end, and illustrates a meticulousness from the strings that makes for melodic progressions, and “Atlantis” exits with a very absorbing dynamic between the orchestra that’s nothing short of stunning.
Grill is as prolific as he is detailed, and these early 20th inspired pieces continue his trend of top notch classical music that is all substance.
Travels well with: Stanley Grill-Und das Lied bleibt schon; Stanley Grill- Remember