Children’s Stories
Cedille, 2024
8/10
An assembly of lengthy pieces from Michael Abels and Augusta Read Thomas, the music is provided by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and Stilian Kirov, and are rooted in short stories by Leo Lionni and the poetry of Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks.
Frederick’s Fabels, by Ables, opens with “Frederick”, where pretty winds and graceful strings flow alongside Michael Sumuel’s narration, and “The Greentail Mouse” follows with bare and rich ideas amid the vivid storytelling.
This portion exits with the turbulent “Alexander And The Wind-Up Mouse”, as waves on intimacy enter, too, and Thomas’ Gwendolyn Brooks Settings begins with the a choir harmonizing across the powerful “Part 1”.
Deeper into this half, “Part 4” spotlights the soaring voices and animated horns, and “Part 6” exits with dynamic instrumentation, animated singing and an unpredictable quality that’s immediately gripping.
An effort that illuminates Chicago’s musical scene, the orchestra and choir setting is both meticulous and imaginative.
Travels well with: Rachel Barton Pine- Corelli: Violin Sonatas, Op. 5; Eighth Blackbird/David Lang- Composition As Explanation