Album Review: The Shape of Strings from Wayne Alpern
Album: The Shape of Strings Artist: Wayne Alpern Label: Henri Elkan Music Website: www.waynealpern.com Wayne Alpern's compilation The Shape of Strings leaves listeners with the impression that they are in the center of Louis XIV's court, hearing a recital performed by a symphony of strings. There is something so 18th century French classicism about the recording that will make audiences feel like they have gone back in time to an age when beauty was common place and within everyone's grasp. There is a majestic, royal-like pomp and ceremony quality about the scores that transcends the listener into a fantasy-like realm. Alpern leads the renowned String Orchestra of New York City on his release, assembling a compilation of compositions that elevates the spirit and pacifies the mind. Perceivably, influences of jazz ballads are integrated with classical dramatic phrasing on scores like "Serenade 1" and "Serenade 3," projecting an intensity th...