Greg d'Alessio's Veil offers a cross-section through all the facets encompassing modern classical composition as well as an impressive portrait of the composer's unique voice and development over two decades...

Veil contains 7 tracks (1 hr, 05 min, 25 sec) and opens with the composers two earliest pieces: 'Veil' and 'Thread'. Both of which engage in a little experimentation, but are mainly grounded in traditional structure and instrumentation.

'Sono Solo' paints a solemn portrait of solitude, a soulful, introspective lament that is not without instances of enlightenment and self-assurance. 'Now's the Time' picks up with a higher energy level, intertwining jazz rhythms and harmonies.

'After Ending' forms the transcendent climax of the album. The two-part work contrasts a lyrical first movement with a strongly rhythmic finale reminiscent of Shostakovich's late symphonies.

This is a wonderful introduction to the composer and it's interesting to witness how his compositions shift and change throughout his career to date. There's an element of what sounds like freeform, even though the pieces are carefully orchestrated. It's worth giving this one a listen. It acts as the middle ground between traditional classical forms and the genre's more experimental side.

7

Darren Rea