Three orchestral pieces by composer and percussionist William Hill are featured on this Albany release. As would be expected of a percussionist, the pieces are marked by a high level of rhythmic inventiveness, but Hill also has a strong sense of lyricism and is comfortable with a range of harmonic languages. The wonderfully titled Funky Little Crustaceans (1990) was inspired the by the marine life on the shores of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Hill's quirky and engaging tone poem does justice to its name, capturing the randomness and regularity that at various times govern the movements of the crustaceans. Aurora Borealis, for Native American flutes and orchestra, was written to showcase legendary flutist James Pellerite, who performs it here. While the work does not have a specific program, its colorful, impressionistic orchestration; sweeping gestures; and the feral sound of the flutes beautifully evoke the wild openness of the landscapes touched by the northern lights. Seven Abstract Miniatures for percussion solo and chamber orchestra follows in the venerable tradition of music inspired by the visual arts, in this case, pen and ink sketches by the composer himself. The
Moravian Philharmonic, led by
Lawrence Golan, performs with passion and vigor, and Albany's sound quality is clean and spacious.