Richard Meale's 1995 release, "Viridian / Symphony No. 1 / Scenes from Mer De Glace," is a captivating journey through the composer's vivid musical landscapes. This album, released under the ABC Classic label, showcases Meale's distinctive voice in contemporary classical music, offering a compelling blend of orchestral and chamber works.
The album opens with the three-part "Viridian," a piece that unfolds like a musical narrative, each movement building on the last to create a sense of progression and discovery. Following this is Meale's "Symphony No. 1," a powerful and sweeping orchestral work that demonstrates the composer's mastery of large-scale composition.
The final section of the album is dedicated to "Scenes from Mer De Glace," a four-movement orchestral suite inspired by the stark beauty of the Mer de Glace glacier in the French Alps. Each movement paints a vivid musical picture, from the serene "Prelude – Lake Geneva" to the dramatic "Mary Shelley's Nightmare."
With a total runtime of 57 minutes, this album is a substantial and engaging listen, offering a rich exploration of Meale's musical language. Whether you're a longtime fan of contemporary classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is sure to impress.
Vinylscout