Sequenza21/The Contemporary Classical Music Weekly

Philadelphia Sounds: In Seach of A Better World

Relache celebrated Benjamin Franklin's 300th year in its usual style--with the world premiere of Jay Fluellen's Of Chess, Freedom and Dr. Franklin (2006).

However, they saved that one for last, and opened with Voyeuristic
Absurdities: From Mingus to Diallo (2001), also a Relache
commission, by Leslie Burrs. Burrs is a flutist and the piece has the flute introducing each line, whcih is then played in unison, accompanied by marimba. Flute melody skims over the ensemble's syncopated theme. Later melodic lines are in English horn and clarinet with some nice textural combinations.

Thomas Albert's 1975 A Maze (with Grace) is a free-form collaboration, almost improv, in which the musicians find their own way toward
actualization of the hymn, over piano chords echoing the hymn's harmonics -- a hazy impressionistic pastorale at mesmerizing pace.

Another performer as composer results in the very jazzy The Meddler (2001)by bassist Rufus Reid. This piece was originally composed for flute and bass, then for jazz quintet, re-arranged for string orchestra, and now arranged for Relache's unique instrumentation by trumpeter Darin Kelly. Reid states that "meddling" is what he has done with it. Infectious rhythm and melodic theme keep it bouncing along with generous space for individual improvisation on bass and sax.

Finally, the best comes last. Philadelphia composer Jay Fluellen draws on a chess game and Ben Franklin's writings, with inspiration from artifacts at the Search for a Better World exhibit at the National Constitution Center, for his source and then employs the A.E. Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, along with Relache ensemble, for his finished composition. A capella choir introduces the concept of freedom before being joined by jazzy accompaniment; a solo line for viola echoes the melody line; Fluellen handles the piano himself. Short choral and instrumental movements alternate. The vocal texture is complex; text by the composer condenses the spirit of Franklin into pithy phrases referencing freedom, struggles, dreams -- indeed, Franklin's search for a better world. Instrumental movements are brisk and rhythmic; vocals are enjoyably melodic and intelligible.

RELACHE: � In Search of a Better World
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia,PA
March 25, 2006
(Reposted from Penn Sounds 4/1/06)

posted by Deborah Kravetz 4/02/2006