Navona Records release Michael Kurek’s Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie, a rich musical tapestry intertwining the colours and characteristics of many fantastical worlds the composer has entered and loved. Performed by the European Recording Orchestra, a certain spirit of unspoiled beauty, innocence, nobility, hope, and heroic goodness stretches across four movements, each giving the listener creative control of the worlds they conjure. With a well-balanced lineage of traditional compositional techniques running throughout his symphony and other works for choir to follow, Kurek presents a dynamic assortment of work that keeps the spirit and heritage of classical music alive...

Michael Kurek's Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie and Other Works opens with the four-part 'Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie' (43 min, 28 sec). It's a work that allows the composer to really let his creative juices run wild. It's an incredibly beautiful symphony with a strong mix of melancholic themes and long, winding reflective passages. I was reminded of the work of Gustav Holst (most notably The Planets suite), Jerry Goldsmith (there are elements of music that reminded me of his work on Poltergeist) and James Horner (believe it or not there were segments that brought to mind his work on the Star Trek movies).

There are so many themes to unpick that it's one that will bring you many hours of pleasure. I've been listening to it non stop for almost a month and I feel like I've only begun to scratch the surface.

And if that wasn't enough we also get the four-part choral work 'Missa Brevis' (9 min, 21 sec) and 'Ave Maria' (5 min, 48 sec). 'Missa Brevis' is again, reflective, subtle and painfully beautiful. 'Ava Maria' is another choral piece that mixes in a little of the wonderment that is the backbone of 'Tales from the Realm of Faerie'.

The entire album consists of 9 tracks (58 min, 37 sec) and there isn't a wasted beat here. From start to finish Kurek wrings every last piece of emotion possible out of the performances. It's a beautifully complex and wonderfully life affirming collection of works that will touch your soul.

We previously reviewed his incredible The Sea Knows, which is another album worth adding to your collection as it's in a similar vein to his new work on Tales from the Realm of Faerie.

Track listing:

The European Recording Orchestra (ERO); Robin Fountain (conductor)
01. Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie: I. (11:48)
02. Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie: II. (8:50)
03. Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie: III. (9:56)
04. Symphony No. 2: Tales from the Realm of Faerie: IV. (12:55)

The Vanderbilt Chorale; Tucker Biddlecombe (conductor); Polly Brecht (organ)
05. Missa Brevis: Kyrie (1:56)
06. Missa Brevis: Gloria (3:26)
07. Missa Brevis: Sanctus (2:07)
08. Missa Brevis: Agnus Dei (1:54)

The Vanderbilt Chorale; Tucker Biddlecombe (conductor);
Malcom Matthews (organ); Claire Davis (harp)
09. Ave Maria (5:48)

10

Darren Rea