StarSong
Albany, 2024
8/10
The composer Bradley Ellingboe pens a body of work about the atoms that comprise our bodies, and it involves the Albany Pro Musica, American Modern Ensemble and Dann Coakwell meshing their inimitable talents alongside José Daniel Flores-Caraballo’s conducting.
“Instrumental Overture: We are made of star stuff” starts the listen with the American Modern Ensemble’s strong attention to mood that emits much beauty from the building climate that uses brass strategically, and “Music” follows with Coakwell’s soaring tenor guiding the cautious landscape of warmth.
Moving deeper into the listen, the calming winds of “Take Me by the Hand” radiates a distinct intimacy, where the keys adds much grace, while “The Song Of The Stars” benefits much from rich winds and dreamy percussion that aligns with harmonic vocals.
Close to the end, “Questions About Angels” allows Coakwell’s bright storytelling to radiate in the colorful delivery, and “The Mystic Trumpeter” exits with booming trumpet and powerful singing that touches on cinematic ideas.
A highly accomplished listen in the area of choral sounds, the 12 movements with 11 texts embrace technical aspects and memorable musicianship that will always be relevant.
Travels well with: Steven Holochwost- Dialogues & Meditations; Patrick Yim- New Waves