Solace (414.01.2Perc.)

Solace (414.01.2Perc.) A Mexican Serenade. Joplins only tango, or with its clear Cuban roots, habañera, is the stunningly beautiful Solace (1909), subtitled "A Mexican Serenade. With the tempo deliberately marked Very slow march time, its gentle chromatic melody and poignant dissonances, all held together over a gently rocking ostinato rhythm, form an expressive gem in the composers output. This arrangement was specially made for the album Preludes, Rags and Cakewalks (MPR 005), performed by The Symphonic Brass of London conducted by Eric Crees. All of the transcriptions are new and original, making this a world premiere recording. ‘Super playing from living legends of the London orchestral brass scene. In these fantastic arrangements it’s sometimes hard to believe these pieces weren’t originally scored for brass. The musicianship throughout is second to none and the sound is an absolute treat. Eric Crees pays his affectionate respects in performances subtly styled, coloured and paced - from the touchingly restrained to the joyfully raucous. Musical authenticity permeates through, understated yet valued in placement and precision. It is a fabulous exploration that deserves the richest of accolades on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.’ Iwan Fox - 4 Bars Rest - Verdict *****