New Faroese chamber music by Kári Bćk
Credits:
Andrea Heindriksdóttir, flute - Kenneth Larsen, clarinet - Jógvan Zachariassen, bassoon - Páll Sólstein, horn - Řssur Bćk, violin - Rúni Bćk, violin - Sámal Petersen, violin - Ida Nřrholm, cello - Ólavur Jakobsen, guitar - Jóhannes Andreasen. piano - Andas Olsen, conductor
Nordicsounds writes in their 2005 August-issue:
THE FAROESE composer Kári Bćk is a new name to me. His music, at least as represented here, inhabits a world somewhere between Nordal’s spare quietude and Hróđmar’s new-found accessibility. The genial Prelude & March for octet (1996-7), composed especially for the Aldubáran Ensemble, makes a pleasing opener with a luminous prelude giving way to a spectral little march.
The fantasia for unaccompanied violin Crosscurrent (1997) was written for Řssur Bćk (who plays it here) and shows a hint of Holmboe in its melodic cast. Its chain of related episodes depicts the turbulence caused by cross-currents at sea. For the atmospheric flute solo Snow Light (2000), beautifully played by Andrea Heindriksdóttir, a poem by Christian Matras was the inspiration, the music evoking the calm of a frozen lake. The Elegy and Humoresque for bassoon & piano (1996) has been recorded before – on BIS – and is given a charming rendition here.
If I have a quibble it is that the Duo for 2 violins (2001), played with assurance by Řssur and Rúni Bćk, does not have the gravitas to make an apposite conclusion. Another ensemble piece, to balance Prelude & March, would have been more effective, as well as extending the playing time beyond a mere 49’.
Kári Bćk: Prelude & March; Cross-Current; Elegy & Humoresque; Snow Light; Duo for 2 violins;
The recording can be purchased on the Tutl-label. www.tutl.com