Under The Ocean
Navona, 2026
9/10
The inimitable composer Veroniku Wu is joined by Tomoki Tai’s cello for this 6 movement suite that highlights the voices of the sea and its creatures.
The eloquent “A Mermaid Without Legs” opens with the plucked and bowed strings making for an inviting start, and “Breathing In The Dark Ocean” follows with a murky presence that emits animated gestures near the end.
“Humming A Melody Too Loud To Sing” lands at the midpoint, and balances tense moments with much beauty, while “Peeling The Scales Elegantly” showcases Tai’s acrobatic fingers via the meticulous progressions that are rich and poetic.
“Hear You Hearing Me” exits, and weaves in and out of thoughtful, sometimes turbulent instrumentation that illustrates the unpredictable nature of the ocean.
Each selection is tied to an emotion that pulls the listener further into the ocean’s spiritual depths, and instills even more awe for the natural world.
Travels well with: Gabriel Jackson- Rigwreck; Laurie Altman- Songs & Poems Briefly