J.A.C. Redford's Symphony No. 2 "A Plague Journal" is a profound and evocative musical journey, set to release on October 3, 2025, under the Navona label. This 55-minute album is a multi-movement symphony that delves into the human experience during times of plague, offering a poignant reflection on resilience, grief, and hope. The symphony is preceded by the lively "Muzika! Festival Overture" and "The Baton," setting the stage for the intense and moving narrative that follows.
The four movements of Symphony No. 2 each tell a part of the story, from the urgent "Alarum Within" to the somber "March of the Grotesques," the introspective "Acquainted with Grief," and finally, the hopeful "Oh, Morning, at the Brown Brink Eastward, Springs." Redford's composition is a masterful blend of orchestral depth and emotional resonance, making this album a compelling exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.