Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra - James Lentini: Through Time and Place (2020)

PARMA is proud to present THROUGH TIME AND PLACE, an ambitious cross-section of James Lentini's extensive catalog. The award-winning guitarist and composer impresses with massive tonal landscapes which can be considered exemplary in contemporary American serious music.

THROUGH TIME AND PLACE's title is aptly chosen: the album contains a collection of previously unreleased recordings made over the course of Lentini's long career. Almost all of them are commissioned works or competition winners, which is obvious at first listen. They are united by the same level of craftsmanship and recurring qualities: for instance, there is a deceptive calm to Lentini's pieces – characteristic, one might even say. Expectations of tonality and form are often confirmed, only to be shattered in the very next measure. Then, of course, one finds the inevitable contrast of mood and expression: energetic phrases juxtaposed with serene lyricism, sadness mixed with humor, the sacred next to the secular. The only exception to this rule may well be Three Sacred Meditations, which powerfully remains committed to simplicity and unity. Thanks to this, in combination with the gigantic orchestral and choir setup, these works may well be the hidden gem of the album.

But it's not all ethereally objective. In fact, there are plenty of personal notes on THROUGH TIME AND PLACE, such as the intimate The Angel's Journey. Lentini wrote the piece in memory of his grandparents, utilizing the letters of their names to create the main motifs.

With this level of creativity on display, it is easy to see why James Lentini is such a popular choice, not only for festivals and competition committees. After all, his compositions perfectly embody the spirit of which all American contemporary music is capable. There is the fittingly vast grandeur, a sheer endlessness of sound, a tremendous spaciousness and almost otherworldly concept of time – filled to the brim with elaborate expression.

Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic Orchestra
Anthony Iannaccone, conductor
Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra
Ricardo Averbach, conductor
Dana Lentini, soprano
The Wayne State University Symphonic Chorus & Orchestra
Norah Duncan IV, conductor
The Wayne State University Wind Symphony
Douglas Bianchi, conductor
Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra
Jerzy Swoboda, conductor

Tracklist:

01. Sinfonia di festa
02. Symphony No. 1 "Through Time and Place": I. Reflection
03. Symphony No. 1 "Through Time and Place": II. A New Destiny
04. 3 Sacred Meditations: No. 1, Peace I Leave with You
05. 3 Sacred Meditations: No. 2, Renew a Right Spirit
06. 3 Sacred Meditations: No. 3, Trust in the Lord
07. The Angel's Journey
08. Dreamscape