Eileen Clark - Various: Lemons Descending (LP)

Eileen Clark presents a captivating collection of choral works in her album "Various: Lemons Descending," released on Oxingale Records in 2006. This album is a testament to Clark's versatility and artistry, featuring a diverse range of compositions that span various styles and influences.

The album opens with an excerpt from "Slice For Saint Ursula," setting the stage for a journey through a rich tapestry of musical expressions. Highlights include the enchanting "Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5" by Heitor Villa-Lobos, a fusion of Brazilian rhythms and Bach-inspired melodies. Clark's rendition of the "Akhmatova Songs" by Leonid Desyatnikov is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional depth and narrative power through choral music.

The album also features three songs inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson, translated into hauntingly beautiful choral pieces. These songs, along with other works like "Epithalamion" and "Ode To The Lemon," demonstrate Clark's knack for selecting and interpreting pieces that resonate with both intellectual and emotional depth.

With a duration of just over an hour, "Various: Lemons Descending" is a compelling exploration of the choral genre, offering a blend of classical elegance, contemporary innovation, and poetic sensitivity. Eileen Clark's masterful direction and the exquisite performances make this album a standout in the world of choral music.