Lila Meretzky – Simultaneous Contrast
Sawyer Editions working with contemporary composers once again and bringing Lila Meretzky into the spotlight. On this album titled Simultaneous Contrast, five pieces are shared with listeners. These selections are incredibly diverse, being recorded by different artists at different times and locations. From a string quartet, solo percussion, all the way to a small orchestra, Lila Meretzky compositions take on completely different forms and feel. This makes the listening experience for Simultaneous Contrast completely different with each selection and very vividly showcases the reaching constructs of Lila Meretzky's abilities. The longest track titled For Linda Catlin Smith is Ford Fourqurean, clarinet; Matheus Souza, violin; Iva Casian-Lakoš, cello; Daniel Anastasio, piano. This is the moodiest of the five selections, being patient while adding the instrumentation in strong vibrant moments. Feels like a slice of some introspective moment in life. The second track titled Chaconne is Ji Hye Jung using percussion and third track Don’t look for me where birds sing is Thomas Faulkner with percussion. Both beautiful pieces with Ji Hye Jung using more of something like a vibraphone and Thomas Faulkner using more drums. Both selections using a vocal aspect in portions, not sure who this artist is. These two percussion tracks are also the earliest in the denoted time line. To Crave And To Have is performed by The Performance Fellows of the 2022 Next Festival of Emerging Artists. This piece sounds most akin to more traditional classical compositions, with an emphasis on an undercurrent of pageantry and it's mournful components. Like a beloved king or queen is stepping down from death or illness for the advent of future successors.
The last look is of the first selection performed by Herdís Guðmundsdóttir, violin; Cassia Drake, viola; Benjamin Lanners, cello; Nicholas Hernandez, double bass; Michael Yeung, percussion. This one is simply titled Quartet and is the most sublime of all selections. Quiet, moody, patient, gorgeous tones, a gorgeous composition to open with on the album and would be interesting to find this style as a full composition on it's own.
Beautiful edition for Sawyer Editions and currently available on compact disc from the label.
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