Window Panes
Navona, 2020
8/10
The first album to collect the veteran composer Elizabeth R. Austin’s esteemed work, Window Panes showcases decades of song craft into a very complicated, eclectic and melodic display of unparalleled skill.
Symphony No. 1 “Wilderness” starts the listen tense and dramatic as swells of ominous ideas meet cinematic moments of grace, and Symphony No. 2 “Lighthouse” follows with 3 movements that span bare instrumentation as well as building into firm, busy displays of timeless musicianship.
Deeper into the listen, “Sonnets From The Portuguese” recruits operatic vocals that leave an indelible mark, and “Three Rilke Lieder” exits the listen with proficient keys complementing the soaring singing that’s so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.
A record that embraces jazz, blues, opera and classical influences, Austin has been active since the ‘50s and Window Panes is an excellent representation of her vast and exceptional work.
Travels well with: Dieter Flury- Aero: Contemporary Works For Flute; Quatra Duo- Painted Music