David Farquhar's "Ring Round the Moon" is a captivating journey through a diverse landscape of musical compositions, released on November 13, 2015, under the Rattle Records label. Spanning a generous 85 minutes, this album is a testament to Farquhar's versatility and mastery, featuring a rich tapestry of 33 tracks that blend classical elegance with contemporary flair.
The album opens with the intricate "Sonatina," a three-movement piece that showcases Farquhar's ability to weave complex emotions into his music. Following this, the "Three Pieces for Violin and Piano" offer a delightful interplay between the instruments, each piece distinct in character and mood. The "Black, White and Coloured" suite is a standout, with its eclectic mix of homages, spirituals, and original compositions that reflect a broad spectrum of influences and emotions.
"Swan Songs" is another highlight, a six-part suite that explores themes of hope, anxiety, and transformation, culminating in a poignant and reflective journey. The "Dance Suite from Ring Round the Moon" brings the album to a lively close, with a series of dances that range from the playful and energetic to the slow and sultry, each one a testament to Farquhar's ability to capture the essence of different dance styles.
Throughout the album, Farquhar's compositions are brought to life by the skilled performances of Jenny Wollerman, Martin Riseley, Jian Liu, and Jane Curry. Their interpretations add depth and nuance to the music, making "Ring Round the Moon" a compelling listen from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply appreciate well-crafted compositions, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
(C) 2015 RATTLE RECORDS(P) 2015 RATTLE RECORDS
Tracks
Sonatina: I. Allegretto ma non tranquillo - Allegro - AllegrettoDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu
Sonatina: II. AndanteDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu
Sonatina: III. Allegro giocosoDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu
Three Pieces for Violin and Piano: I. ImprovisandoDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu, Martin Riseley
Three Pieces for Violin and Piano: II. PizzicatoDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu, Martin Riseley
Three Pieces for Violin and Piano: III. RisolutoDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu, Martin Riseley
Black, White and Coloured: No. 1, SongDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu
Black, White and Coloured: No. 2, Homage to G. G.David Farquhar, Jian Liu
Black, White and Coloured: No. 3, Nobody Knows…David Farquhar, Jian Liu
Black, White and Coloured: No. 4, Rock-a My SoulDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu
Black, White and Coloured: No. 5, Lord, I Can't Sit DownDavid Farquhar, Jian Liu
Swan Songs: No. 1, The Silver SwanDavid Farquhar, Orlando Gibbons, Anonymous, Jenny Wollerman, Jane Curry