A holistic and impressionistic immersion in the magnificent natural site of Banff, that is the spirit at the source of The Banff Suite in eight movements, for solo piano by Canadian composer Frank Horvat. For those who know the place, the power of inspiration, omnipresent, will not be in doubt. The eight movements of the suite are as many evocations of hiking trails offered to the visiting public.
We will then understand why some are torturous (“Sulphur Mountain”), others muscular and optimistic (“Sundance Canyon”), or even unsettling (but what is in this “Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain”?). Many, however, are delicate and sparkling, exuding a simple and welcoming beauty, such as “In Town,” or the vibrant “Johnston Canyon” with its bubbling and very seductive arpeggios. I really like the energetic and positive force of “Bow River” and the contemplative rapture of “Moraine Lake.” I was surprised by the sometimes harsh harmonies of “Lake Louise,” a site I associate with luminous beauty. That said, these harmonies are sparse, and the shimmering, almost crystalline character of this cold, pure water is beautifully rendered by the notes at the top of the keyboard. Pianist Vicky Chow delivers a seamless, deeply embodied, and technically gorgeous performance.
The Banff Suite is 100% Canadian beauty. It is a work to celebrate, and that conveys a power of evocation worthy of the majesty of an incomparable nature.
