In Volume 2 of his Preludes for Sinfonietta, Vagn Holmboe continues along the lines begun in Volume 1. Each piece is constructed of highly concentrated melodic cells based primarily on strict modal harmony, which has the effect of creating a distinct and self-perpetuating sound-world, one that, once your ears and perception adjust, beguiles with its own special beauty. As before, highly attentive listening is required if these works aren’t to sound all the same, particularly since the subtle and meticulous working out of musical ideas is one of their distinguishing features. Of special interest is To the Pollution of Nature, a noticeably darker piece that disturbs by its harsher timbres and hard-driving rhythms. Giordano Bellincampi again leads sensitive, informed, and wholly persuasive performances with the Athelas Sinfonietta Copenhagen.
Holmboe’s Sonata for Trombone and Piano springs from the same aesthetic soil as the Preludes yet is further distinguished by stunningly original writing for the trombone. Holmboe makes full use of this beautiful instrument’s expressive and declamatory qualities, all vividly realized by Jesper Juul Sorensen’s masterful playing. The equally fine Music with Horn adds a violin to form an exquisite, contrapuntally-latticed trio. Hornist Thomas Ekman, partnered by Anne Soe Iwan on violin and Anne Mette Stoehr on piano, delivers a performance characterized by wit and deep musicality. Dacapo’s recording, made in what sounds to be a large empty hall, flatters the winds and percussion but imparts a slightly hollow quality to the strings.
