Yolanda Kondonassis, The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: American Rapture Review
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Yolanda Kondonassis is widely regarded as today’s premier solo harpists and is also regarded as today’s most recorded classical harpist. Known for her wide range of colors, expressiveness and dazzling technique, Kondonassis has appeared around the globe as a concerto soloist and in recital, bringing her unique brand of musicianship and warm artistry to an ever-increasing audience. With hundreds of thousands of discs and downloads sold worldwide, Kondonassis’ extensive discography includes more than twenty titles and her 2008 release, Air (Telarc), was nominated for a Grammy Award. Her albums and performances have earned universal critical praise as she continues to be a pioneering force in the harp world, striving to push the boundaries of what listeners expect of the harp. Kondonassis is now releasing, The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: American Rapture. The album presents pieces from Samuel Barber, Patrick Harlin (World Premere), and Jennifer Higdon (World Premere). The Rochester Philharmonic is conducted by Ward Stare.
Positives:
The program is a beautiful blend of sounds and orchestrational colors. Kondonassis is passionate and delivers the performance that these world premieres deserve.
Bottom Line:
Kondonassis is among the elite top performers in the classical genre that is pushing and keeping the catalog and interest in the music alive. This world premiere recording of Higdon and Harlin is another example of Kondonassis commitment to the art form. Ward Stare and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra provides the perfect backdrop for Kondonassis and her ability to create a sound full of grandeur. The program contains a wide range of emotions, from lyrically beautiful passages to intricate technically brilliant passages that sound of Kondonassis’ virtuosic control. Barber’s triumphant First Symphony fits the program perfectly. The ending track, "Rapture" by Patrick Harlin, is an ever-evolving thrill with strong melodic elements. Overall, Kondonassis is electrifying as she conveys each emotional state and musical element throughout The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: American Rapture. That’s the short of it!