Sparks is a compilation album of orchestral miniature works by several composers. It offers a sampling of much of what post-modern, contemporary orchestral music has to offer, and is most interesting to consider in contrast to nineteenth century orchestral transitions. Miniatures, in their brevity, defy the conventional bias that orchestral music must conform to the characteristics of large symphonies. More generally, the works on this album suggest a wide range of influences unique to contemporary postmodernism...

Navona Records lovingly collects together orchestral miniature works by a handful of modern classical composers. All of which are masterpieces in their own right, It's a diverse collection ranging from the melancholic World War II tribute of 'In Memoriam' to the futuristic chaos of 'Event Horizon'.

All of the tracks pretty much tackle classical music as some of histories great composers have approached it. In fact you can hear the spirit of several classical composers throughout this album. The only exception is Rain Worthington's incredible 'Still Motion', which takes a more modern twist and focuses on instruments and styles not normally given centre stage.

The only inclusion I was a little disappointed with was George Gershwin's 'Summertime'. Everyone knows the tune, and while it's a wonderful orchestral reworking I personally didn't see how it fitted in here. That said, it's a wonderful track.

There's something here for everyone to enjoy. From conventional classical music, to pieces that feel like they've been composed for a movie score. This is an essential purchase for lovers of classical music.

Track listing:

Jay Anthony Gach
1 - Gangsta - Siberian State Symphony Orchestra | Vladimir Lande, conductor

Rain Worthington
2 - Still Motion - Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Petr Vronský, conductor

Marga Richter
Fragments - Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Petr Vronský, conductor
3 - I
4 - II
5 - III
6 - IV
7 - V

Phillip Rhodes
8 - A Tango Fantasy - Siberian State Symphony Orchestra | Vladimir Lande, conductor

George Gershwin
9 - Summertime - Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra | Kirk Trevor, conductor Richard Stoltzman, clarinet

Steven Winteregg
10 - Prelude for Charles - Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Petr Vronský, conductor

Douglas Anderson
11 - In Memoriam - Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Petr Vronský, conductor

Bruce Babcock
12 - Event Horizon - The Wembley Players | Bruce Babcock, conductor

Stephen Lias
13 Crown of the Continent - Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Petr Vronský, conductor

10

Darren Rea