Lyric Fest
Navona, 2024
8/10
The composer and conductor Benjamin Perry Wenzelberg and poet Jeanne Minahan bring vocal and orchestral ideas to these diverse movements.
“Christmas Forecast, Poem” opens with just Minahan’s voice relaying the eloquent wordplay, and “Listen, My Love” follows with Rebecca Myers’s soprano, Stephen Ng’s tenor, Steven Eddy’s baritone and Devony Smith’s mezzo-soprano guiding the atmospheric winds and keys.
Further along, “The Outside In” benefits much from Ráyo Furuta’s bright flute and Laura Ward’s unpredictable piano for the animated delivery, while “Winter: The Antidote” showcases Daedalus Quartet’s lively strings amid powerful singing.
Residing close to the end, “Any of Those Decembers, Poem” is another track of Minahan reciting poetry with much expressiveness, and “Any Of Those Decembers” exits with the voices, keys, strings and wind emitting much poeticism and care.
A body of work that’s often vulnerable, wistful and aesthetically pleasing, there’s certainly a seasonal feeling to these charming and memorable pieces.
Travels well with: Contemporary Colors Vol. 2; Reza Vali- ESFAHÂN: The Chamber Music Of Reza Vali