Duo Menurida | In Two Minds
Label: Métier | Catalogue No: MEX 77121
Laura Chislett, flute(s)
Edward Cowie, piano
On this impressive CD there are six improvisations for flute and piano and one each for solo flute and solo piano and even though the musical and creative skills in each improvisation are delightful, this recording for me is more about the interplay between the performers and the mesmerisingly beautiful flute tone of Laura Chislett.
Laura Chislett and Edward Cowie are two important musicians on the world stage and they have technique that astonishes but in these recorded performances it is the shared act of musicmaking and the intelligent musical arguments that are developed throughout that intrigue. All the eight improvisations are so polished that one could easily think that they are fully notated compositions.
There is much beauty and a slowly unfolding dark drama in Pre Dawn and Dawn: Australian Bell Birds. It is well positioned as the opening track as it makes the listener want to hear more.
Excitement abounds in Dusk/Night Lyrebirds the final track with crystalline piano chords leading to a perfect takeover from Chislett echoing, in a birdlike way, the material Cowie had just expounded. I listened to Dusk/Night Lyrebirds 5 times and each playing it not only gave up more musical insights it also became more calming as it progressed.
The two solos give each performer/creative the opportunity to explore the inherent colours of their instrument. Ornitharia for solo flute is a glorious song to birds, or should I say a song taken from birds. The solo piano Stonehenge Thunderstorm and Skylark shows Cowie’s background as a musician/composer steeped in the intellectual musical pursuits of the mid 20th century onwards with powerful and contrasting sections and even a little hint of Messiaen and chordal/choral like music.
This is a CD that will find favour with many listeners and it must be pointed out that the physical CD is a most attractive product and congratulations also go the engineer/producer Paul Baily.
