Sinfonieorchester Munster - Symphony, Op. 19; Suite - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Szabelski / Harasimowicz / Silesian Philarmonic - Szabelski Gorecki Knapik [COMPACT DISCS] date 01/01/2000

Indeed, Vienna is so rich in composers [...], that it is but just to allow it to be, among German cities, the imperial seat of music, as well as of power. Sir Charles Burney, the famous observer of European music, was quite correct. This city on the Danube was bubbling over with talents and masters who all made their livelihood there. This included Johann Baptist Wanhal, one of the innumerable Bohemians that tried their luck in the shadow of the court palace. He contributed many beautiful pieces to his preferred medium of instrumental music. The small selection of the present production alone well demonstrates that Wanhal was able to hold his own in the symphonic genre next to Joseph Haydn, who was seven years his senior. Subtle orchestral colours, a fine sense for dramatic events, especially in the minor keys, and striking melodies are characteristic of the creations that were enjoyed not only in the old imperial city.

Pursuing the creative trails first blazed on 2004's CABIN IN THE SKY and 2006's Bardo Hotel, Vapour Trails finds the members, vocalist, clarinetist, saxophonist and keyboarder Steven Brown, bassist and producer Peter Principle, vocalist, violinist, guitarist and laptop brother Blaine L Reininger and trumpetist Luc Van Lieshout in top form, exploiting their mature vision and instrumental skill to the full. They load their eclectic pallet with a wide and surprising variety of styles and influences, and sing in the languages of the many places they have lived or visited, singing this time not only in English, but in Greek, Spanish and languages of their own devising.