Composer Sally Greenaway’s “Don’t Forget Your Music” was released 1 October 2021 as a single track

Musicians
David Shaw – flute
Philip Arkinstall – clarinet
Barbara Jane Gilby – violin
Timothey Wickham – violin
Iska Sampson – viola
Samuel Payne – cello
Edward Neeman – piano

Don’t Forget Your Music has been released in October as a single, but it does seem to me that a collection of more pieces like this by Sally Greenaway would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s CD collection. It is to be hoped that this active composer releases more tracks and puts them into a full length CD.

Despite its easy listening qualities, there is substance in the slightly over six minute track. Sally has something to show or say with this music. The melody writing is crafted expertly with dovetailing between the instruments weaving a delightful and artlessly logical progression of fantasy. The rhythmic drive is never overbearing, energising the work with vitality.

Don’t Forget Your Music has distinct characteristics redolent of Astor Piazzolla’s tango music. The ensemble could be described as a large chamber group fairly typical of most Argentinian Tango ensembles. As Sally mentions of South American music, particularly the music of Piazzolla, “Its intensity reminds me of what it takes to reach the pinnacles of human achievement”. The opening piano arpeggios and ensuing filling out in the introduction lead to a 3 + 3 + 2 feel with a consistent repetitive drive. This never feels like minimalism or a merely popular medium, particularly as the changing textures of the instrumentation and the passing of melody from one to the other instrument provide the variety which I find so engaging in this track. I am intrigued with the quality of intensity yet lightness and translucence that Sally achieves here.

Any wannabe composer stringing along a few balladic melodies with some rippling gentle arpeggios from a piano, could achieve easy listening, but there is so much more here that is both clearly evident and also subtle.

Her treatment of texture as well as the textures of the different ranges within the instruments, show her awareness of what the instruments are capable of. The rhythmic consistency and yet variety breathes an awareness of minimalism without the inherent (to me) insistent repetitiveness. In this her classical training and jazz background in particular are evident as is her admiration of the late 19th century composers. Furthermore, her knowledge of a wide variety of musical styles has synthesised beautifully into what now is her own character as a skilled composer.

The recording shows a beautiful lucidity and translucence in the final mix. Added to this the musicians add fire and passion as well as playing the contrasting more gentle moments with delicacy in this collection of singles. Their performances are full of proportion and elegance and the whimsicality of this vignette is portrayed with elan and sophistication.

You can hear some here…

Whilst a cover should never influence one in judging the music, I do rather like the flower motif on this CD. I feel it goes with the playful whimsy of this music. This is a CD that is presented beautifully and the music rewards with repeat listening.

We would all want more from Sally Greenaway. You can support Sally’s work each week on the link below with a suggested weekly contribution of $3.00.
Sally Greenaway Armchair Philanthropy