Navona Records releases the compilation album Prisma, featuring four pieces from contemporary composers from the United States and England including Lionel Sainsbury, Clive Muncaster, Patricia Julien, and J. A. Kawarsky...

Prisma spans the spectrum of composition, from the grandiose and triumphant to the fragile and tender. The album opens with triumph in Lionel Sainsbury’s 'Time of the Comet'. Written in 1997, the piece was inspired by the visual presence of the Hale-Bopp comet.

Clive Muncaster’s 'Reflective Thought Patterns' builds in arch form to its central section and then literally reflects itself in reverse order. The composition starts with brass and timpani, transitioning its melody patterns on woodwinds, marimba, vibraphone, and French horn until the piece comes together at the end echoing the opening this time with a full orchestra.

'Among the Hidden' by Patricia Julien, introduces an eerie, darker shade to the collection. Building off a circular, three-note piano melody, the moodiness of the composition creates a stark, yet refreshing contrast to the bright, brave orchestral performance of the other composers.

The final track, J. A. Kawarsky’s 'Fastidious Notes', us based on a reworking of the American folk-song 'Goodbye Old Paint'.

The collection's 4 tracks (51 min, 14 sec) are well picked to provide an interesting diversity of styles. It's certainly an album that I'll be enjoying for years to come. Overall this represents a beautiful collection of instantly memorable music that will stir the soul and lift your spirits.

10

Darren Rea