The third volume in the Inviting Worlds series offers a new roster of modern composers. Building on the canon of orchestral works presented thus far, this edition of the series features works inspired by historic poetry, iconic stories, and memories, tied together and brought to life by the raw power of today’s ensembles. From whimsical and uplifting passages to deep stirring nostalgia, the works featured are unrelenting in their emotive qualities...

This is the third installment in Navona Records's Inviting Worlds series and, just like Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, it's an orchestral treat. If anything, this is a more diverse collection than previous releases. It's quite obvious that whoever compiled this release was really looking to appeal to as many classical music fans as possible, whilst drawing in others in a bid for them to explore new areas and broaden their musical horizons.

On balance I have to admit I was rather taken with Jay Anthony Gach's 'Anne Rutledge (“Bloom forever, O Republic”)', which feels part western movie score, part Star Trek TV soundtrack. The end result is a beautifully endearing track with a lot of soul. 'Anne Rutledge' is a poem from Edgar Lee Masters's 'The Spoon River Anthology'. The subtitle, "Bloom Forever O Republic", is the penultimate line of the poem. The poem refers to the period right after the American Civil War when the country was trying to rebuild and heal the vast chasm between the victorious North and the defeated secessionist South. The textural lyricism and post-civil war reconciliatory tone of the poem are expressed through a singing melodic style that emphasizes a noble, hopeful, uplifting spirit.

Deems Taylor's 'Marco Takes a Walk' delivers a wonderful theme and variations based on the Dr. Seuss story And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. It premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1942. It is a delightful, slightly whimsical piece, accessible to a younger audience.

While these two piece were my personal favourite tracks, the others are just as worthy of your time. Overall, a wonderfully engaging collection.

Track listing:

Patricia Morehead
Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava; Stanislav Vavřínek (conductor)
01. Voyage Across Centuries (11:54)

Richard Vella
South Czech Philharmonic; Miran Vaupotić (conductor)
02. Colours of Memory (5:24)

Jay Anthony Gach
Moravian Philharmonic; Stanislav Vavřínek (conductor)
03. Anne Rutledge (“Bloom forever, O Republic”) (7:37)

Ludwig van Beethoven
South Czech Philharmonic; Miran Vaupotić (conductor)
04. Coriolan Overture (7:47)

Deems Taylor
Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava; Stanislav Vavřínek (conductor)
05. Marco Takes a Walk 13:13

10

Darren Rea