Symphony No. 1 is the cumulation of a lifetime of affectionate study of orchestral craft by composer Gustav Hoyer. Mirroring Hoyer’s own musical passage from then to now, and commenting on the strange, uncertain state of our world following a pandemic, Symphony No. 1 dances a path of regaining hope in the face of anxiety and strife. Vast instrumentation conveys tense uncertainty and glorious resurrection in a shattering finale that ensures Hoyer’s first symphony will be regarded as a triumph for the composer and an unforgettable experience for listeners...

I found a lot to love on this release. I was particularly drawn to the fact that there are a lot of similarities to the cinematic work of composer John Williams. Gustav Hoyer, similarly, creates incredible imagery though the orchestrations of his richly layered works.

The opening 'Agitato' reminded me of Williams' music for the soundtrack from the original 1977 Star Wars movie. In particular, his theme for the band of Jawas that sell R2D2 and C3PO to Luke Skywalker's Uncle. And on other tracks I kept hearing a passage here and a flourish there, which reminded me of Williams's work on Jaws, Indiana Jones, Close Encounters of the Third Kind... but mostly of his scores for the original Star Wars trilogy.

This is not to detract from Hoyer's work in any way, shape or form. I mention it merely to praise how strong his "story telling", and ability to paint a scene with music, is. This is an album I just couldn't get enough of.

It's an emotional roller coaster of a symphony. An ageless, epic collection of deep and powerful pieces, that feels fresh no matter how many times you revisit it.

10

Darren Rea