Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Christopher Glynn & Frances Leviston - Martin Suckling: The Tuning (2022) [Digital Download 24/96]

The everyday is transfigured in this intimate collection of chamber music and songs by leading young Scottish composer Martin Suckling – settings for mezzo-soprano and piano of five magical, moonlit poems by Michael Donaghy and a string quintet written in collaboration with the poet Frances Leviston, whose readings of her own texts frame the four movements of a piece which pays dual homage to Schubert and to Emily Dickinson.

Nocturne for violin and cello bears witness to Suckling’s night vigils at the composing desk, setting down his pen as the stillness starts to ripple with birdsong, while the cello solo Her Lullaby is a nostalgic reflection on the early years of parenthood that also displays Suckling’s characteristically refined harmonic palette.

"The mesmerising coupling between Marta Fontanals-Simmons and Christopher Glynn on piano, create the perfect ambience as they impeccably communicate with each other … Words and poetry, like music, stirs emotions within us and Northumberland poet Frances Leviston’s texts, make for an equally engrossing collaboration in Emily’s Electrical Absence. Her words which she reads so effectively, are inspiring and shows Suckling’s adeptness at crafting his music to form an aural painting … Suckling skilfully shows that whether composing for solo instrument or creating a narrative between two or more performers he is a formidable presence that creates compelling music through understanding the world around him" (Yorkshire Times)

"MARTIN SUCKLING’S music is both expansive and intimate, and this new release from Delphian truly exploits this nature of his music. … The opening song cycle, which gives the album its name, opens a vast colourful world. Marta Fontanals-Simmons handles the lyrical lines with delicacy and care and underlines the beautiful distinction and interaction between the piano and singer. Both Her Lullaby and Nocturne, work as wonderful palate-cleansers which contrast greatly from the larger works The Tuning and the string quintet Emily’s Electrical Absence …Overall, the album manages to condense a lot of the wonderful qualities of Suckling’s works and leaves me wanting more".

Tracklist:
1. Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Christopher Glynn & Martin Suckling – The Tuning: I. The Present (04:16)
2. Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Christopher Glynn & Martin Suckling – The Tuning: II. The River in Spate (02:54)
3. Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Christopher Glynn & Martin Suckling – The Tuning: III. Tears (02:13)
4. Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Christopher Glynn & Martin Suckling – The Tuning: IV. The Tuning (05:58)
5. Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Christopher Glynn & Martin Suckling – The Tuning: V. Two Spells for Sleeping (03:22)
6. Jamie Campbell & Sebastien Van Kuijk – Nocturne (08:52)
7. Frances Leviston – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: I. Emily’s Electrical Absence (01:37)
8. Aurora Orchestra & Martin Suckling – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: II. I (03:33)
9. Frances Leviston – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: III. White Box (00:46)
10. Aurora Orchestra & Martin Suckling – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: IV. II (04:01)
11. Frances Leviston – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: V. I see thee better (01:53)
12. Aurora Orchestra & Martin Suckling – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: VI. III (after Emily Dickinson) (01:58)
13. Frances Leviston – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: VII. In an Alabaster Chamber (02:12)
14. Aurora Orchestra & Martin Suckling – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: VIII. IV (13:24)
15. Frances Leviston – Emily’s Electrical Absence String Quintet: IX. The Pursuit of Universal Harmony (02:21)
16. Sebastien Van Kuijk – Her Lullaby (16:10)


Thanks to the Original customer!