Chamber Works (Summerhayes, Carey, Brown, Williamson)

Skippering onto the music scene with all the subtlety of an overeager freshman at their first frat party, VARIOUS ARTISTS presents us with a mixed bag of chamber works from the enigmatic Ingoldsby Tom (B.1957). First up, we have "Dialogues for Violin and Piano," a rollercoaster ride of melodies and harmonies that will have you questioning your very existence. The violin and piano converse like a couple in a heated argument, constantly interrupting and contradicting each other. It's like watching a tennis match where both players are determined to win, even if it means resorting to dirty tricks. Next, we dive headfirst into the "Piano Sonata," a piece that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go until it's had its way with you. The piano dances and flirts with you, teasing and tantalizing, before erupting into a whirlwind of emotions that leaves you breathless and wanting more. And finally, we come to "After," a hauntingly beautiful composition that lingers in your mind long after the final notes have faded into the ether. It's like catching a glimpse of something magical out of the corner of your eye, only to have it vanish before you can fully grasp its beauty. Overall, Ingoldsby Tom's chamber works are an eclectic mix of emotions and styles that will leave you both exhilarated and exhausted. It's like a musical rollercoaster that you never want to end, even if it means feeling a little queasy at times. Cheers to VARIOUS ARTISTS for bringing this hidden gem to our attention.