Widely known to audiences for his 1988 Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings, Johan De Meij presents Casanova, the complete recording of his compositions and transcriptions for cello and wind orchestra. Like the majority of De Meij’s oeuvre, the works on this release are committed to a late Romantic aesthetic: frequently citing Rachmaninoff, Debussy, or Puccini, and intended to conjure specific imagery. The resulting music is soothing, colourful, and pleasing to the ear...

Johan de Meij's Casonova is a wonderful nuanced collection of themes and set pieces. The album contains 13 (54 min, 48 sec) heartbreakingly beautiful thematic pieces. It features cellist Yuki Ito's performances of De Meij's entire catalog of works for the unique pairing of cello and wind orchestra. His romantic era-inspired original works shine alongside stunning arrangements of Debussy's 'Clair de Lune', scenes from Puccini's Suor Angelica and Tosca, and David Popper's virtuosic 'Elfentanz'.

For those who normally shy away from modern classical music, Casonova is worth seeking out as it has its style firmly grounded in traditional classical compositions. It's emotive and reaches deep within to deliver both melancholic themes as well as flourishes of 'epic' moments.

Tracks like 'La Vita a Corte' are regal, whereas pieces like 'Elfentanz' are joyous and playful. Meanwhile works like 'L'Evasione dai Piombi' are eerie and fragmented. I was particularly drawn to de Meij's subtle version of Debussy's classic 'Clair de Lune'.

This is a wonderfully presented collection of timeless pieces.

10

Darren Rea