Contemporary Colors Vol. 2: New Music By Maltese Composers
Navona, 2024
8/10
Listen to Contemporary Colors Vol. 2: New Music By Maltese Composers
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra flesh out the work of 8 different Maltese composers under the conducting of Miran Vaupotić, where the themes surround Greek tragedy, religious symbolism, existential philosophy and struggles that shape the human experience.
“Longing”, by Kris Spiteri, begins the listen with tense strings and booming drums for a rich and powerful landscape, and Steven-Joseph Psaila’s “Elegy” follows with much color and eloquence, where the pretty string interaction emits much wonder.
In the middle, Joseph Sammut’s “Adagio No. 2, Op. 40” emits a gripping intimacy with much melody present, while “Two Episodes from Antigone” is full of mystery and atmosphere via the Albert Pace album highlight.
“Cataclysmus”, by Kristian Schembri, arrives near the end and showcases restraint in the haunting climate, and “Waiting for Godot” exits with precise and atmospheric layering that’s cinematic.
A very diverse representation of the talent on Malta, there is much detail, expressiveness and timelessness to be appreciated here.
Travels well with: Rezi Vali- ESFAHÂN: The Chamber Music Of Reza Vali; Julia Glenn- Ink Traces