Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra Reflections & Recollections Vol. 1
Navona, 2019
8/10
Listen to Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra Reflections & Recollections Vol. 1
An Australian composer with a long history in the music industry, Mark John McEncroe doesn’t spend much time thinking about the kind of music he makes as much as he does just letting his ideas flow on this double disc of orchestral, classical and chamber sounds.
“Introspective Moments” starts the listen with glorious strings in a thoughtful setting of grace and emotion, and “Ripples On Still Water” follows with soaring beauty as well as calmer ebbs of majestic, orchestral sounds.
Other Disc 1 highlights include cinematic swells and tense atmosphere of “The Gargoyle Fountain”, as well as the percussive strong and dynamic instrumentation of “Dancing In The Light”.
Disc 2 doesn’t disappoint either, and includes the countless ideas and textures of “Shades Of Autumn”, which at over 11 minutes never out welcomes its stay, while the sweeping melodies of “A Lazy Summer’s Afternoon” is one of the album’s best. “Shadows Of An Old Memory” ends the affair with a meticulous nature that never alienates the listener, and instead draws us in with its gorgeous, organic delivery.
Recorded with the Janacek Philharmonic and Anthony Armore conducting, McEncroe’s inspiring vision is brought to life here with perfect balance, flow and precision in the pleasant, mesmerizing affair.
Travels well with: Andrea Cheeseman- Somewhere; Jeffrey Jacob- Dreamers