Michael J. EVANS
Bloom
Variations on Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier [4:08]; Sonata in D flat [3:51];
Sonata in C [4:17]; Trio No 2 (2008) [19:40]; Variations on an Original Theme
[9:53]; Flying Away [2:21]; Sunshower [2:17]; Merci Sophie [0:57]; Sonata
in E flat [6:03]
Lisa Hennessy (flute); Emmanuel Feldman (cello); Karolina Rojahn (piano)
rec. 23 September 2008 [1, 4-7, 10]; 13 January 2009 [2, 3, 9, 11,12]; 3 March
2009 [8] Futura Productions in Roslindale, MA. DDD
NAVONA NV5813 [53:53]
This disc features a range of recent works by the American composer, Michael
J Evans.
The opening work, Variations on Johnny has gone for a soldier is for
cello and piano, and is based around the popular folk song of the title. The
tonality of the writing has a nostalgic feel, which suits the usage of the
theme. Sonata in D flat is for piano and has a Nyman-esque opening,
before the impressionistic melodic material takes over. The Sonata in C
is similar in style: simple, tonal, and melodic, although this sonata has
more drama than the previous one.
The Trio No 2 was composed in 2008 and is scored for flute, cello and
piano. The four movements are short and have a meditative feel, with the melodic
material shared between flute and cello and the piano providing a flowing
accompaniment line in the first movement. This is music that would not be
out of place in a spa or retreat of some kind. It provides a nice sense of
relaxation and does nothing to offend or challenge. There is a hint of a jazz
influence in some of the writing, and the melodies are easily memorable. The
second movement opens with husky low register piccolo, played expressively
by Lisa Hennessy. This is a rhapsodic movement with flowing melodies, and
the playing from cellist Emmanuel Feldman and piano player Karolina Rojahn
match the standards set by the flute at the opening. The third movement features
more rhythmic patterns and unison lines, while the final movement is almost
dance-like in its flowing lines and undulating accompaniment.
My own personal taste is for new music which has more bite and a greater sense
of emotional impact than this, and by track 8 (Variations on an Original
Theme) the saccharine language of Evans’ music had become a bit too much.
There is nothing inherently wrong with this music; it is played well and is
structurally sound, but there is also little to distinguish one track from
the next. The Variations on an Original Theme is texturally very similar
to the Trio, with a melody line accompanied by flowing quavers. The
consonant language is undoubtedly easily accessible, but for me, it has little
substance.
Three short tracks follow; Flying Away evokes butterflies, Sunshower
describes the effect when you experience sun and rain at the same time, and
Merci Sophie is a short tribute to a friend in Paris. The final track
is the Sonata in E flat, the longest of the three one-movement sonatas.
Carla Rees