Music from the Ethereal Side of Paradise

John A. Carollo

Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra

Stanislav Vavřínek, conductor

My Navona releases, Transcendence in the Age of War, Starry Night, and The Transfiguration of Giovanni Baudino, have all included string orchestra works as bookends. This one is no exception. Awakenings and Bright Stillness (You Are My Desire) are variations of the 3rd movement of The Rhetoric and Mythos of Belief for String Orchestra on Transfiguration. Written after the loss of my partner of 37 and ½ years, the music evokes a sense of profound loss for me but also a sense of inner peace and contentment.

The guitar and violin works are part of a larger suite in 9 movements called Romantica Passione Suite for Guitar and Violin (2004) dedicated to Duo 46, Matt Gould and Beth Schneider, who premiered several of these works in Italy. Duo 46 are passionate about new music and interpret these guitar and violin pieces with romantic flair. The music tells a story about romantic love and of all of its emotional entanglements.

I have always been intrigued by the idea of metamorphosis and change. My metamorphosis series includes works for solo instruments. Two pieces are included here, one for solo violin (whose subtitle is “Just Do It”) performed by the incomparable Darel Stark, and the other by the great Lisa Cella, flutist, who premiered this work in Italy many years ago.

The International Segovia contest winner Christian Saggese recorded the solo guitar works on the Big Island of Hawaii last summer while vacationing with his girlfriend Cinzia, who is a fabulous cook!  All recorded mostly in one take, Christian is adept at sight reading and interpretation.

The choral works were performed and recorded by The Composer’s Choir several years ago. My poems were set to music for the first time and four of the nine works recorded here are presented with crystal clear interpretations. Mystical in nature, these works are my first attempt at choral writing.

Many of these recordings were released on compilations over the years and it brings me great joy to have them all together under Navona Records for all to hear and enjoy.

- JOHN A. CAROLLO