It seems more than a little appropriate at this festive time of over indulgence to review an album inspired by that wonderful confectionery invention, chocolate. When, after the holiday season is over, our belts no longer fit we can sit back and spread out in our expanding comfort and re-live each mouth watering delight by playing this CD.
With tracks entitled “Bittersweet”, “Triple Mocha Indulgence”, and a two piece movement entitled “Truffles” we can happily finish off the last remnants before setting out on our New Year resolution to lose weight once again.
Even the cover seduces the taste buds. Enticing close up shots of various chocolates lure you in. Inside the heading makes the album’s inspiration abundantly clear. “It all began with chocolate” it says.
This beautiful work, Chocolates, Torch Songs For Viola and Piano (MS 1335) is a collection of wonderful creations from the pen of renowned American composer James Grant. Luxuriously performed by violist Michelle LaCourse, and pianist Martin Amlin, each track will, like your favourite chocolates, delight, seduce, and ultimately satisfy.
The music of James Grant is described in the notes as “fresh and eclectic, exploring a wide variety of harmonic and formal approaches to everything from solo instrumental pieces to major works for symphony orchestra and chorus.”
It goes on to explain that violists “have a true fan in James Grant, whose appreciation for the dark, moody, and rich sounds of the instrument has led him to score an impressive number of pieces for viola.”
Who better than Michelle LaCourse to add her own “miraculous blend of intense passion and artistic elegance” to the work? Renowned pianist Martin Amlin, from Boston University, adds his own elegant style to the whole, resulting in a multi-flavoured, performance of rich intensity. It is without doubt one of the most seductive collections I have heard in a long time.
The box of chocolates simile is too good to ignore. Each piece has its own rich flavour, delicate texture, and individual identity. However, unlike the ones you are left with after Christmas after all the most popular have disappeared, each selection is gorgeous in its own right and equally delightful.
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