October 14, 2022 New Releases from Navona and Ravello Records

This New Music Friday, Navona and Ravello Records present an assortment of immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to fantastical worlds through deep explorations of classical techniques.

Dive in and discover new music from: Richard E Brown, Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava, Jâca, Michael Kurek, Vincent Ho, Marko Stuparević, and David R. Peoples.

Deeply immersive electronic soundscapes and haunting harmonies stir the senses in THE BLEAK NIGHT from composer David Peoples. Featuring percussion, synthesizer, electronics, and electrophonic orchestra with narration and the manipulation thereof, Peoples captivates the ear and mind with suspenseful ostinatos that melt into entrancing waves of sound.

From natural scenes of beauty to mystical dreamscapes and vivid characters of villainy, a dynamic assortment of music awaits in SANDMAN’S CASTLE from composer Vincent Ho. Explorations of uncharted territories, thoughtful juxtapositions with mainstays in classical music, and more are achieved by the renowned featured performers on this album.

Michael Kurek’s SYMPHONY NO. 2: TALES FROM THE REALM OF FAERIE is a rich musical tapestry intertwining the colors and characteristics of many fantastical worlds. With a well-balanced lineage of traditional compositional techniques running throughout his symphony and other works for choir to follow, Kurek presents a dynamic assortment of work that keeps the spirit and heritage of classical music alive.

Comprised of Canadian clarinetist Wesley Ferreira and American guitarist Jaxon Williams, the spirited Jâca duo explores and expands the vast potential of this rare combination of instruments on their aptly-named album BREAKTHROUGH, a wonderful blend of European and American folk traditions.

(RE)CREATION from Navona Records and pianist Marko Stuparević is centered on the acts of creation and re-creation, observed through three piano sonatas of three Russian composers. Performed by the award-winning pianist, each sonata is rich with advanced compositional techniques and the individual ideologies of their composers.

Composer Richard E Brown and Navona Records present THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, a beloved story of a young married couple who, despite being very poor, sacrifice their most cherished possessions to demonstrate their love for one another. The virtuosic performances heard in this chamber opera lend an emotional dimension to this heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting story.