Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Kevin Puts' latest album, a compelling collection of contemporary classical works that showcase his distinctive compositional voice. The album opens with the Marimba Concerto, a piece that reflects Puts' admiration for Mozart's piano concertos, offering a direct and unguarded glimpse into his musical sensibilities. The concerto's three movements—Flowing, Broad and Deliberate, and With Energy—demonstrate the marimba's remarkable versatility and expressive range.
The City, originally inspired by the urban landscape of Baltimore and American cities more broadly, is a powerful and evocative orchestral work. Puts composed this piece during a time of significant social unrest, and its intense, gripping narrative reflects the complexities and challenges of urban life.
The album concludes with the Oboe Concerto No. 2 "Moonlight," a meditative and introspective piece that seeks calm and resolution amidst the divisions of modern society. The concerto's three movements—Moonlight, Folly, and Air (The Eye Begins to See)—offer a journey of reflection and discovery, with the oboe's lyrical melodies soaring above the rich orchestral textures.
Performed by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marin Alsop, and featuring the exceptional talents of soloists Katherine Needleman (oboe) and Ji Su Jung (marimba), this album is a testament to Puts' ability to create engaging and thought-provoking music. Recorded in 2023 and released on the prestigious Naxos label, this album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary classical music.
Vinylscout