Sara Paar and Marcia Eckert Release Wisdom's Harvest
- R.A.G.
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A new release from Sara Paar and Marcia Eckert brings together works from 4 different composers, including Jake Heggie, Ned Rorem, Louise Talma, and Germaine Tailleferre, and is segmented so that each one has a series of pieces throughout the record. The first of those is Jake Heggie, which comes through as an operatic set or works that feel heavily theatrical and certainly tell a story as the songs unfold. The pieces focus on piano and robust vocals that have a beautiful intensity as they follow a young woman through important and pivotal coming-of-age experiences.
This set has a wonderfully heavy hand in terms of the piano performances and really comes alive. The more you dig into this particular set of works, the more you get swallowed up by the performances and storylines.
This is a wonderful way of introducing the very big Wisdom's Harvest album, as you get a knack for Sara's bountiful vocals. She also delivers subtle and more delicate approaches when called for, showcasing quite a range and balance.
Next is a set of 6 pieces from Ned Rorem, which also have elements and segments of a sort of vivacious storytelling approach, but often come through with more of a warm and soft feel. The piano work on this set is gorgeous and really does an amazing job of setting the moods.
Marcia's approach to piano performance is very lively and understanding of dynamic balance. Her playing is alive and breathing with a welcoming passion.
The classical and operatic approach goes on with the pieces from Louise Talma. The piano on these is probably the most theatrical, delivering bouncing and vibrant technique a lot of the time.
All of these works have a way of pulling you in. They have such a colorful and classic feel to them that can draw almost anyone.
The piano and vocals have a perfect match in terms of bringing tones together and building pieces that put you in the moment with the music.
Sara is naturally gifted in the way she delves headfirst into expression through performance. It just feels natural when you listen to her perform. Even on record, you feel the intensity and passion of the moment.
The album, born from the duo’s shared passion for unearthing musical gems and both Sara and Marcia playing a hand in the selection of pieces they decided to perform.
“Much of our relationship is based on sharing overlooked musical treasures we have found throughout our careers,” explains Paar. “As we worked, we realized that each selection offered profound lessons learned through hardship and misfortune. Thus, the seed was planted.”
This played out amazingly as the two were able to put together and create a release spanning 22 pieces in total across all 4 composers.
This is a big record, and I suggest digging right into it. Once you get a few songs in, you get stuck in this theatrical and beautifully constructed and performed world that gleams and shines with elegance and subtle grace.
Have a good listen to this record, and I do not suggest skipping songs, as again, the record is broken into 4 segments.
Don't miss out on this unique and lively set of works.
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