Into The Still Hollow
Navona, 2025
9/10
Listen to Into The Still Hollow
The composer John Rommereim showcases his love for vocal music with these 8 well thought out pieces that are both timeless and diverse.
The powerful and warm “Merwin Songs” opens with Thomas Meglioranza’s expressive baritone alongside Reiko Uchida’s pretty piano, and '“Time And Wind” follows with James Joyce’s lyrics amid Charlotte Mundy’s stunning soprano and the Sirius String Quartet’s sublime interaction that emits much wonder.
In the middle, “The Gift” pairs Meglioranza’s bright storytelling alongside Uchida’s dancing keys, while “Rings Of Birchbark” allows for the intimate voice and dreamy keys to illuminate A. R. Ammons’ cautious lyrics.
Landing close to the end, “Upon The Blue Guitar” showcases David William Ross’ meticulous and heartfelt guitar playing to impress us across 3 chapters, and “Gesangvoll: Variations on a Theme by Beethoven” exits with Karel Martinek’s organ and Jan Kučera’s oboe making for a colorful and radiant finish that even gets mysterious.
Rommereim is well versed in choral compositions and conducting of choirs, and his bare, busy and emotive vision is fleshed out superbly via these skilled musicians.
Travels well with: Pas De Trios; Toivo Tulev- Dawn, Almost Dawn