Search - David C. Heath, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philip Smith :: Heath: African Sunrise / Manhattan Rave

A Truly Astonishing Musician

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 01/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Evelyn Glennie, born in Scotland in 1965, became deaf at age 8 but that did not discourage this fascinating woman from pursuing a life as a performer. Electing to become a percussionist she was graduated form the Royal College of Music in London and has gone on to fame as a soloist with most major orchestras around the world, commissioned works for percussion, made numerous recordings (including winning a Grammy), all the while speaking as an motivation guide to the hearing impaired, writing music, creating jewelry - the list is endless.



In this performance of works by David C. Heath she is at her finest. The featured composition is 'African Sunrise/Manhattan Rave, concerto for solo percussion & orchestra' and is a work for taped sounds of the streets of New York, various 'found' percussive instruments (barrels, cans, etc) as well as standard timpani and the vast array of orchestral percussion instruments. The London Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by the composer. As for the music (non-percussive) of this piece it is reliant on heavy borrowing from Leonard Bernstein and film composers. But it works. The remainder of the works on the CD are less impressive but Glennie is sensationally adept at her art. Having had the privilege of seeing the beautiful Miss Glennie perform live with orchestra makes this CD more interesting. The music here is not great but the performer most assuredly is! Grady Harp, January 06"