This New Music Friday, Navona and Albany Records present classical albums that highlight cultural heritage and human history, the music of underrepresented composers, deeply-transformative experiences, and more.
Dive in and discover new music from Scott Brickman, Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Janáčeck Philharmonic Ostrava, Filharmonie Brno, Michael Kurek, Sasha Matson, Ronn Yedidia, Gila Goldstein, David Owens, Louise Toppin, and Darryl Taylor.
BALTIC SKETCHES
Scott Brickman
BALTIC SKETCHES by composer Scott Brickman is a collection of symphonic works inspired by Brickman’s Baltic and Slavic ancestry. Blending classical forms with asymmetrical dance meters and folk melodies, this Navona Records release finds unexpected connections between time-honored traditions.
SYMPHONY NO. 3
Michael Kurek
Michael Kurek’s Symphony No. 3 honors England’s history and natural beauty. Inspired by Romantic and Edwardian music, it evokes personal memories, nature, and art. Movements depict the English countryside, Stonehenge, The Lady of Shalott, and Sherwood Forest’s ancient Major Oak.
FILLMORE STREET/LITTLE WOODSTAR
Sasha Matson
Take a foundation of classical composition, add a whole lot of jazz influence, and sprinkle in some Bob Dylan and Grateful Dead and you get FILLMORE STREET/LITTLE WOODSTAR, a walloping one-two punch of works for jazz and studio orchestra by composer Sasha Matson.
RONN YEDIDIA: 24 PRELUDES OF DUSK AND DAWN
Ronn Yedidia, Gila Goldstein
On 24 PRELUDES OF DUSK & DAWN, acclaimed pianist Gila Goldstein artfully harnesses the emotions of the piano to bring Ronn Yedidia’s compositions to life. Written amidst the lockdowns of COVID-19, Yedidia took this time of isolation to compose works that remain soulful and uplifting as they pay homage and tribute to his mentors, inspirations, and loved ones.
SKY LEGENDS: MUSIC OF DAVID OWENS
David Owens
The majestic beauty of the night sky has been a perennial source of inspiration throughout history, spawning myths and tales that have endured for millennia. On SKY LEGENDS, composer David Owens transforms the ancient Greek constellations of the zodiac into miniatures for four-hand piano, turning the epic stories into colorful soundscapes.
DEAR FRIENDS & GENTLE HEARTS
Louise Toppin, Darryl Taylor
DEAR FRIENDS & GENTLE HEARTS from Albany Records celebrates the decades-long friendship and shared mission of Louise Toppin and Darryl Taylor in promoting classical vocal music by Black composers. This album features compositions by Black composers across generations, reflecting on cultural and societal issues. Many pieces were commissioned for or dedicated to the artists, highlighting their deep connections with the composers.
