The Whole Note

DISCoveries - Editors Corner - December 09

"Lamentatio Jeremiae Prophetae - Jeff Reilly; Elmer Iseler Singers ; Lydia Adams (ECM New Series 2129): Peter-Anthony Togni’s stunning Jeremiah is a concerto for bass clarinet and mixed choir and it’s great to see it getting international exposure on Manfred Eicher’s adventurous label. This very original work capitalizes on Jeff Reilly’s ability to improvise and uses the bass clarinet as the voice of the beleaguered prophet. The choir is in fine form, with soprano soloist Rebecca Whelan deserving special mention. Recorded in the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax the broad acoustic is well suited to this haunting music. [It is to my ear at moments somewhat reminiscent, but not at all derivative, of Richard Einhorn’s "Voices of Light" created as a soundtrack for the silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc, and Philip Glass’ music for the film Koyannasqatsi. I wonder if there is a film to be found in this music too?]"
David Olds; Wednesday, 25 November 2009 13:18

Retrieved from: http://thewholenote.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=54&Itemid=44 on December 1, 2009