Where The Shadow Glides
Naxos, 2023
8/10
Listen to Where The Shadow Glides
The globally esteemed composer William McClelland rarely stays in one area of music, and this collection of songs inspired by poetry makes for a diverse and timeless body of work that enlists superb artists.
“Cædmon's Hymn” begins the listen with The New York Virtuoso Singers lending their inimitable voices to the 9+ minutes of gorgeous, stirring singing that possesses much power and beauty, and “Autumnal” follows with Donald Berman’s absorbing piano and Krista River’s stunning mezzo-soprano making for an expressive climate.
Further along, the swift “Storm” is indeed turbulent, where Thomas Meglioranza’s radiant baritone is met with Berman’s meticulous, firm keys, while “Five For Piano” showcases Blair McMillen’s dancing piano prowess that’s quite adventurous and intimate.
Closer to the end, “The Defective Record” benefits from Meglioranza’s vivid storytelling amid the animated keys from Berman, and “These Last Gifts” exits the listen with poetic, harmonic interaction that we could never tire of.
The excellent musicians and vocalists sure do illuminate McClelland’s vison that’s mystical, symbolic and nature-esque, and it makes for a captivating and very rich listen.
Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta- Elfman-Hailstork Concertos; Orion Weiss- Arc II: Ravel, Brahms, Shostakovich