Review

The young American composer Mohammed Fairouz has quickly become a widely performed and recorded composer. Although barely into his 30s, Fairouz has been commissioned by many important American institutions and performers. In his latest Naxos release Fairouz has compiled a selection of art song spanning a ten-year range in his output. The disc is comprised of four works that incorporate texts by W.B. Yeats, Edgar Allan Poe and William Wordsworth, along with selections from the writings of Alma Mahler, the ancient Arabic poet Ibn Shuhayd and contemporary poets Wayne Koestenbaum and Lloyd Schwartz. This collection reinforces Fairouz’s command over his approach to musical expression. Those who are familiar with his musical language appreciate it for an immediate sense of accessibility, its strong link to popular music infused with light romanticism and a familiar lyricism. Fairouz writes well for the voice. There is clarity of intention in his vocal writing that leaves nothing beyond the surface for the listener.

Mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey, soprano Kiera Duffy and baritone Christopher Burchett bring a strong sense of musicality and drama to this recording and are able to interpret this music with a calming sense of ease and intuitiveness. At times the music is bare. The instrumental writing for cello and piano make for a light accompaniment that – despite a sense of clarity – perhaps leaves the listener wanting a bit more. Where clarity of artistic voice elevates this music to certain successful neighbourhoods, a deeper level of expression is perhaps lacking throughout. This recording provides a light, pleasing listening experience that doesn’t pin the listener down with any type of heavy material.