James Oswald: Airs for the Seasons
Rezonance Baroque Ensemble is thrilled to present James Oswald: Airs for the Seasons, their first record on Leaf Music set to be released on May 5, 2023. James Oswald: Airs for the Seasons is Rezonance Baroque Ensemble’s rendition of a 16-piece selection from Scottish composer James Oswald. Each air includes two to four separate movements in different time signatures and tempos. Airs for the Seasons showcases Rezonance Baroque Ensemble at their most delicate and subtle, deftly combining Scottish charm and classical elegance in a languidly metaphorical depiction of the countryside’s seasonal bloom.
The sonatas of Airs for the Seasons reflect a composer whose control of both the macro and micro are complete. Oswald demonstrates a unique penchant for combining style-galant chamber music and Scottish air, along with a generous offering to those who prefer their metaphors served seasonally. Combined with Rezonance Baroque Ensemble’s control of tone and mood, Airs for the Seasons is a powerfully resonant album that encapsulates the seasons of our lives.
Violinist Rezan Onen-Lapointe says the group was initially drawn to Airs for the Seasons for its commitment to the use of floral imagery, but they soon discovered that the imagery belied real depth to the compositions. “As we played more and more of the Airs, we realized that while they may have been intended as light entertainment, they have a wealth of creativity and emotional depth and are incredibly charming, gorgeous pieces. Although they seem straightforward initially, they are remarkably complex, expressive, and nuanced works of art.”
Speaking on what she finds particularly special about Airs for The Seasons, Onen-Lapointe says, “Oswald’s use of Scottish folk elements is quite uncommon and really fascinating. These pieces are petite, even by the standards of most Baroque “character” pieces. Oswald packs an entire world into a few lines of music that look deceptively simple. They are not programmatic pieces, but I love that with certain airs I get a very vivid image or feeling of that season, or the appearance of the flower it’s named after.”
Airs for the Seasons is available on all major streaming platforms.
Stream/Download: https://leaf-music.lnk.to/LM266
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Active among early music performers since 2012, Rezonance Baroque Ensemble is one of the most exciting groups on Toronto’s classical music scene. Unafraid of improvisation and experimenting with new concert formats, and already known for giving entrancing performances that resonate with today’s audiences, Rezonance is well on its way to becoming one of the foremost chamber music interpreters in Toronto. Inspired by history and informed by the present, Rezonance leads audiences through the discovery of under-appreciated and unusual works, and new ways of hearing the classics, in a manner that is intimate, accessible, and fun, while maintaining the highest possible artistry.
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Rezonance Baroque Ensemble ~ Airs for the Seasons
Release Date: May 5, 2023
Physical/Digital Release
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Brown | andrew@leaf-music.ca
