Estelle - Emergence [CD]

Joanna Estelle presents Emergence: a compilation of works produced under her personal philosophy that "quality music uplifts humankind." The opening work is "Umori" [Moods], ten character pieces for piano soloist, musical superlatives describing ten familiar dispositions of the human condition: Ardent, Determined, Energetic, Whimsical, Shimmery, Repentant, Reflective, Wistful, Solemn, and Hopeful. Compositionally, the overarching style is one of charismatic sentiment, accented by the bright timbre of Lacroix's piano. The work is altogether lovely and a wonderful introduction to "Susannah's Lullaby (This is a Face of Love)," and "Language of a Rose," the first two art songs included on the album. "Moyi mamij" [For My Mother] is an exquisite quartet that brings a tear to the eye of anyone who has ever felt a mother's love. In that sentiment, let's hope that Princes William and Harry will have the opportunity to hear Estelle's "Qu'est-ce que c'est la vie? [What is life?]" a homage to "The People's Princess," for which Estelle wrote not only the music, but the French text. In "Abwoon d'bwashmaya" [Aramaic Lord's Prayer], Estelle's writing is reverent and prayerful - blending perfectly the melodic sonorities of the soprano voice and the cello. Estelle showcases her choral writing with the inclusion of four works: "Water Canticle (For Margaret Trudeau)," "La chanson de ton coeur" [The Song of Your Heart], "Child of the Manger," and "Song for Abwoon." Estelle, who once put music aside to appease her parents by studying psychology and accounting instead, is now a well-respected composer in Canada. She relates, "When you see people around the world are listening to and loving your songs, you know composing is something you should take seriously."