Envols – Canadian Works for English Horn
Mélanie Harel; Valérie Dallaire
Centrediscs CMCCD33523 (cmccanada.org/shop/cmccd-33523)
Listen
Nostalgica for English horn and piano - Listen on Bandcamp
Social sounds from whales at night for English horn, percussion and tape - Listen on Bandcamp
Luquet for English horn - Listen on Bandcamp
Read the Review
Mélanie Harel’s Envols presents a captivating exploration of Canadian works for the English horn, showcasing the instrument’s expressive range and lyrical beauty. Recorded during the pandemic, this album is both a personal journey for Harel and a vital contribution to a relatively unexplored repertoire.
The album opens with Ian McDougall’s Nostalgica, where Harel’s rich, mellow tone shines alongside pianist Valérie Dallaire’s sensitive accompaniment. The interplay between the English horn and piano is seamless, setting a reflective mood that invites the listener into Harel’s world.
Christopher Tyler Nickel’s Sonata for English Horn and Piano takes a darker turn, beginning with an eerie melody that evolves through contemplative passages to a spirited finale. Emily Doolittle’s contributions are highlights of the album. Suppose I Was a Marigold is an introspective piece that allows Harel to delve into the instrument’s softer, more contemplative side. In contrast, Social Sounds from Whales at Night brilliantly showcases her skill in mimicking whale calls. Harel’s use of multiphonics and note bending, combined with the ethereal percussion and tape elements, creates a vivid underwater soundscape that is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Brian Cherney’s Epitaph for Solo English Horn provides a powerful showcase of Harel’s technical prowess, exploring a wide emotional range and highlighting the instrument’s upper register. This is followed by selections from Stewart Grant’s Études, where Harel demonstrates her control and agility, revealing the instrument’s capabilities in a variety of musical contexts. Tawnie Olson’s Plainsong and Paul Marshall Douglas’ Luquet further accentuate Harel’s lyrical abilities, blending expansive musical lines with the English horn’s unique timbre.
The album concludes with François-Hugues Leclair’s Le vol de l’épervier, where playful note bends and the sounds of chirping birds create a delightful auditory experience, leaving the listener with a sense of joy and exploration. Overall, Envols is a cohesive and engaging collection that not only highlights Harel’s exceptional talent but also elevates the English horn’s role within contemporary music.
