Kevin Volans, a South African composer known for his unique blend of Western classical music and African rhythms, presents a captivating collection of works in this 1997 album. The album showcases Volans' signature minimalist style, with each piece offering a distinct yet harmonious exploration of sound and rhythm.
The title track, "This is How it is," sets the tone with its intricate layers of piano and wind instruments, creating a mesmerizing soundscape. "Walking Song" follows, with its steady pulse and repetitive motifs, evoking a sense of movement and journey. "Leaping Dance" continues the momentum, with its lively rhythms and playful melodies that seem to dance across the listener's ears.
The centerpiece of the album is the "Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments," a grand and complex work that showcases Volans' mastery of form and structure. The concerto is a dialogue between the piano and the wind instruments, with each taking turns leading and following in a dynamic and engaging exchange.
The album concludes with "Untitled (In memoriam G.V.H.)," a poignant and reflective piece dedicated to the memory of a loved one. The work is a departure from the rhythmic intensity of the previous tracks, offering instead a moment of quiet contemplation and introspection.
Throughout the album, Volans' use of minimalist techniques and African-inspired rhythms creates a sound that is both familiar and fresh, traditional and innovative. The result is a collection of works that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving, a testament to the power of music to connect us to ourselves and to each other.
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