New album released by composition faculty member Paul Frehner
Associate Professor (Composition) Paul Frehner has released a new album entitled Sometimes the Devil Plays Fate via Centrediscs, and is available as of May 12, 2023 on CD and streaming sites.
The album features three pieces for large ensemble that investigate existential and experiential themes. The album’s title track sets to music poetry by acclaimed Toronto-based author Dane Swan and Charles Mingus, the great American jazz bassist and composer. A meditation on the interactions and collisions of peoples, lovers and celestial bodies, the piece explores destiny and questions whether we have the power to be transformative in our own lives. The performance features American mezzo-soprano Mary Beth Nelson. The second work, Cloak, Concerto for Clarinet and Ensemble has a mysterious film noir vibe. It is inspired in part by growing up in Montréal, a vibrant city with a colorful reputation. Dominic Desautels, principal clarinetist of the COC, is the soloist here. The final piece, Voluptuous Panic, tries to capture the thrilling feelings produced by vertigo-inducing activities such as car racing, reaching escape velocity on a rocket, experiencing zero gravity and fast dancing. Conductor Gemma New masterfully leads the amazing musicians of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra through the music.
For more information on Centrediscs' Album Launch on May 24, please visit the Canadian Music Centre’s website.
