Nani Lahaina~Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra

Around a Stradivarius violin, twelve composers who frequently record with Parma Recordings have come together to compose short symphonic pieces designed for a violin, performed in this case by Italian violinist Davide Alogna. It’s worth noting that Davide Alogna is an eclectic musician with an international background.

At the heart of this album is the *Steven’s* Stradivari from the 1690s, one of the first violins ever varnished in red, likely commissioned by the Medici court.

The album, *Symphonic Stradivarius*, is an exciting release from the American label Navona Records, led by the brilliant producer Bob Lord. It showcases the diverse influences and creative possibilities of modern classical composition.

Miran Vaupotić conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in performing this carefully curated repertoire. A standout piece is *Nani Lahaina* by composer Nan Avant, who participated in the "Current Composition" section of *Sonograma Magazine*. This poetic work demonstrates Nan Avant’s deep knowledge of orchestration through its lyrical beauty.

Other highlights include *A Solitary Tree* by Joseph T. Spaniola, which captivates with its sensitivity and delicacy, while *The Peace of Wild Things: A Reflection* by Deborah Kavasch maintains unrelenting tension and energy, avoiding any loss of momentum in its powerful climaxes.

In contrast, *Tarantella* by Mark Dal Porto radiates emphasized joy, offering a tender, sighing moment in its central section.

Michael J. Evans' *It’s Your Choice* presents shadowy yet tender harmonies, evoking the death of a lark.

Paul Paccione’s *Wave Forms* provides a lyrical reflection on waves—of light, sound, atmosphere, and the sea—forming an organic process within a constantly evolving system.

The album opens with a forceful and striking piece, *Dragonflies* by composer Sophia Serghi. Meanwhile, *Evening on the Hill* by Liova Bueno stirs emotions with its polyrhythmic and polytonal textures, featuring intelligent passages performed with muscular, athletic precision by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Barbara Jazwinski’s *Beyond the Sunset* immerses the listener in atonal atmospheres, while *The Seed*, a composition by Derek A. McKinney and Marcos Mares-McKinney, unfolds as a memorably expansive narrative, projecting remarkable breadth and tranquility.

The album concludes with *Fire Dance* by Richard E. Brown, an explosive movement that challenges both soloist and orchestra with its spirited rhythm.