“A modern masterpiece that combines virtuosity and emotion: Jeremy Beck’s new album Song of the Sky impresses with gripping diversity.
With Song of the Sky, Jeremy Beck proves once again why he is considered “an unmistakable voice in modern classical music.” The album takes the listener on a moving journey through orchestral virtuosity and emotional depth that is both challenging and rewarding.
The opening piece is the impressive Cello Concerto, which was created during the pandemic and is characterized by the melancholic isolation of that time. With clear structures and a radiantly melodic solo part – brilliantly interpreted by Atanas Krastev – this work is a feast for all who love classical elegance and modern harmony. Krastev’s playing oscillates between lyrical gentleness and fiery virtuosity and is perfectly complemented by the precise playing of the Sofia Session Orchestra under Grigor Palikarov.
The following Rhapsody for violin and orchestra follows seamlessly: Inspired by Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending and masterfully played by Dora Dimitrova, the piece conveys a painterly lightness that underlines Beck’s love of poetic sound painting.
Beck strikes a completely different tone with the excerpts from his opera noir The Highway. These dark, sometimes disturbing scenes – brilliantly sung by Emily Albrink, Robert Frankenberry and Chad Sloan – take an unvarnished look at a world full of violence and moral ambivalence. Here Beck not only demonstrates his narrative sensitivity, but also his ability to musically charge dramatic extremes.
The closing Song of the Sky, a sensitive work for harp and orchestra, captures the beauty of Alfred Stieglitz’s iconic photographs. Denitza Dimitrova’s delicate but determined playing brings an almost meditative depth to this piece, crowning the album with a sublime finale.
Despite the stylistic diversity, Beck’s signature remains unmistakable: a skilful balance between tradition and innovation that never leaves the listener in the dark, but always challenges them. The excellent recording quality and the consistently high-class musicians make Song of the Sky an album that should not be missing from any collection of modern classical music.
For fans of sophisticated, emotional music, this album is an absolute must. Tour dates that allow a live performance of this material would be the icing on the cake – unfortunately, these have not yet materialized.”