Chamber Music For Our Times
Navona, 2020
8/10
Listen to Chamber Music For Our Times
A record of all originals, Craig Madden Morris returns with an appropriately titled album where piano, violin, viola and cello are all on hand across 4 very thoughtful compositions.
The aptly named “Romance For Violin And Piano” starts the album with the strings and keys interacting in indeed romantic ways with much emotion and intimacy, and “String Quartet: Colors” follows with gorgeous string manipulation that unfolds over 4 movements where a pair of violins, a cello and viola blur together with sublime beauty.
The last 2 compositions of the record are the best, and include “Piano Quartet #1: Johnny And Tony”, where Han Chen’s piano prowess is complemented by the precise strings that pay homage to Brahams and Dvorak, and “Piano Quartet #2: Moods” exits the listen with Chan again taking the lead on a playful and upbeat finish.
Morris has had a lengthy and esteemed career with nods towards 19th century Romantic music, and here takes those influences with him across a rich and tonal adventure that requires repeated listens.
Travels well with: James Lentini- Through Time And Place; Jackson Greenberg- First Light