Australian composer Mark John McEncroe releases his debut album, Dark Clouds of Life, through Navona Records. The album is a conceptual release focused on overcoming addiction and depression.

The album contains four works, the most personal of these is the three-movement Natalie’s Suite. McEncroe dedicated the piece to his daughter, who has been wrestling with addiction and depression as Mark John McEncroe has, and is well on the way to a better life. This suite is all about that struggle.

It's a beautifully melancholic album that is one of the most impressive and moving classical albums I've heard of late. For me, this is what classical music is all about. It should touch your heart and permeate your spirit. I feel as though I'm spiritually a more enlightened person for simply experiencing such an incredible collection of work.

The album contains six tracks (1 hr, 06 min, 14 sec) - every single second is a highlight. A truly moving work of art.

Track listing:

Natalie’s Suite - Three Faces of Addiction
Symphonic Suite for Piano & Orchestra
Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra | Anthony Armore (conductor)
Helen Kennedy (piano)
1 - Facing The Demons
2 - Into The Dark Spaces
3 - Moving Into The Light

4 - Natalie’s Theme
Helen Kennedy (piano)

5 - Symphonic Poem Echoes From a Haunted Past
Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra | Anthony Armore (conductor)

6 - The Pendulum
Helen Kennedy (piano)

10

Darren Rea