Raftery: Chamber Works

Kevin Raftery's "Raftery: Chamber Works" is a captivating collection of contemporary classical compositions, released on May 19, 2017, under the Métier label. Spanning a concise yet impactful 66 minutes, this album showcases Raftery's prowess in crafting intricate and evocative chamber music.

The album opens with the expansive "String Quartet No. 1," followed by the three-movement "First Companion" suite, each piece unfolding with a sense of narrative and emotional depth. The centerpiece of the album is the "Pleasantries" suite, a nine-movement exploration of moods and characters, ranging from whimsical ("A Little Bird Told Me") to introspective ("Reading Between the Lines").

Raftery's compositional style shines in the "Quintet for Flute, Harp, Violin, Viola & Cello 'Friedhof'," a three-movement work that blends lyrical melodies with rhythmic vitality. The quintet, with its rich interplay of instruments, offers a compelling listen, showcasing Raftery's ability to create engaging dialogues between different voices.

Throughout the album, Raftery's music is characterized by its melodic inventiveness, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic drive. "Raftery: Chamber Works" is a testament to the composer's ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, making it a standout addition to any contemporary classical music collection.