The Girl in My Alphabet

The Girl in My Alphabet is a 2002 CD of music by Errollyn Wallen; the Belize born composer recently appointed Master of the King’s Music.  It contains six works for various instruments and small ensembles; some with vocals, and it’s very varied.

It starts with Dervish, a 2001 piece for piano and cello, played by Dominic Harlan and Matthew Sharp.  It starts slowly with doom laden piano and scoopy cello but, like a Sufi dance, speeds up and becomes very fast and busy.  An impressive beginning.

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Parting Wild Horse’s Mane

Toronto Summer Music isn’t afraid to offer the unusual or unexpected, which is admirable.  Last night’s short performance at Walter Hall; Parting Wild Horse’s Mane, paired contemporary music for string quartet with moves from Tai Chi Chuan.  It was OK but I’m not convinced that was much synergy between music and movement.

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