Albums of new music for classical trumpet are not legion, let alone those of Canadian music! The one presented here is mostly seductive and dressed in consonant harmonic clothes. We would be on a soundtrack of a documentary about the natural beauties of Canada, which we would not be surprised by.
Klaus indeed infuses a cinematic colour into the very beautiful melodic phrases of the various composers. Peter Meechan’s “Song of Hope” is appropriately touching and dedicated to the CancerBlows Foundation. Klaus himself dedicates it to his own father, who passed away in 2024. Robbie Teehan constructed his three-movement “Waters of Life” suite as an evocative journey that begins with “Flowing Rivers,” very lively with its undulating cooing for the soloist, continues with the soothing tranquillity of “Autumn Lakeside Rain” and ends with the bright and consoling “Ritual of Cleansing.” Very, very pleasant.
“Golden Hour” by Cait Nishimura paints a radiant and inspiring sunset, while “First Light Brings New Beginning” by Allan Gilliland initially takes us through grey areas before unveiling a landscape full of charm and gentle nostalgia. “Three Seasons” by Bill Brennan adds a subtle dose of jazz to the program.
Andrew Staniland’s five “Inventions for trumpet and electronics” take us completely elsewhere. It’s the only music on the program to touch on dissonance and the sonic avant-garde, though in a programmatic expressive framework rather than a strictly abstract one. The titles indeed refer either to the fantastic (“Sirens, Ghosts”), or to animals (“Butterflies,” although these seem to come from a horror film) or to something easily identifiable (“Rip,” a spectacular duet for Klaus with… himself)). “The Secret Death Toll of” seems to describe a battlefield, whichever one you want, because the rest of the title is left blank. Ultimately, it will be a suitable piece anywhere in the world, and probably for a long time to come.
The stylistic clash between Staniland and the other composers may surprise, and even deter, some. Be that as it may, the consistent quality of the performers, and the beauty of the scores, although of different natures, make the whole thing very enjoyable.
