"Starlighter" is a captivating collaboration between Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh and the renowned string quartet Brooklyn Rider, released on September 8, 2023, under IN A CIRCLE RECORDS. This six-track album spans 58 minutes of evocative and intricate compositions, blending Azmeh's Middle Eastern influences with Brooklyn Rider's contemporary classical expertise.
The album opens with the three-part suite "In The Element," featuring Swiss percussionist Mathias Kunzli, showcasing a dynamic interplay between Azmeh's clarinet and the quartet's strings. The suite's titles, "Run," "Rain," and "Grounded," hint at the diverse moods and textures explored throughout the album. "Starlighter," the title track, continues the atmospheric journey, followed by the vibrant "Dabke on Martense Street," a nod to traditional Levantine dance music. The album concludes with "Everywhere Is Falling Everywhere," another collaboration with Kunzli, offering a poignant and introspective finale.
"Starlighter" is a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds that are both familiar and innovative. Azmeh's compositions, coupled with Brooklyn Rider's virtuosic performances, create a sonic landscape that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful. Whether you're a fan of classical, world, or contemporary music, "Starlighter" promises a listening experience that is both engaging and rewarding.
Vinylscout