…the [Book of I] soundtrack composed by Sarah Wallin Huff stands out as both a powerful album, taking its listener on an emotional journey of beauty, despair, and hope, as well as a fascinating study of the composer’s visceral and intellectual connection to the source material. Featuring the stellar work of musicians Darrell Peries, Caleb Barnes, Cathy Alonzo, Jenna Ford, Lainey Elizabeth White, Brett Bird, Jonatas Mostacato, Ayla Draper, and [Wallin] Huff herself, the album is a stunning collection of gorgeous, orchestral selections comprised mostly of string instruments that are, at times, vividly haunting but always entirely engrossing. [Wallin] Huff, who previously released her own album, Soul of the Machine, earlier this year, clearly has a passion and a gift for sharing every ounce of her mind, body, and soul with the listener, as if providing a warm invitation for the listener to share the same in response.
It is the third piece “The Oracle” that is the crème de la for me with its incredible depth and creative complexity. Dynamics take deep hold here with sudden bursts and calming moments. I really hear the room when flute and clarinet parts elevate along with the brilliant staccato keyboard hits. There are moments when time seems to fall apart and then strings back together in a wonderful interplay among the musicians.
Sometimes the idea behind the music is just as interesting as the music itself…the music on this album “…explores the relationships between mechanical structures, organic beauty, and identity.” …Wallin Huff presents three unusual compositions that tackle some intriguing ideas and topics… Her music is quite complex and unusual and yet…very easy to absorb and appreciate. There’s a lot to take in here… Our favorite is the wonderfully moody and subtle “Gypsy Wanderer”…nothing short of breathtaking.
Sarah Wallin Huff works with a palette of sounds in a way that mere humans can only distantly discern – this single is an ambient instrumental masterpiece of classical and modern moods.
Sarah’s music has a classy, understated sound, yet it is baroque and ornate, tipping the hat off to genius composers like Debussy, but also tipping the hat off experimental ideas and cinematic scores. Opening number “Intrepid” is a very dynamic composition with a unique color, almost echoing the work of modern composers like Yann Tiersen.
Weeping Willow, featuring “Michael Jung,” is one of our favorite tracks on this release. I love the romantic, dramatic high notes of the string section, as well as the timeless sound of the sparse piano melodies, almost flirting with shades of Tango, in the vein of Astor Piazzolla. A true masterpiece, with so many nuances. The album is also home to a suite extending over 3 tracks, “Leviathan of the Ancient Deep.” These songs also features ambient samples, as well as electronic elements and ornate percussions, making for a really diverse set of colors.
‘Memories & The Gray’ is aptly named – its varying moods convey a rich insight into the creative mind behind the work; sometimes joyous of temperament, elsewise wistful, but always inventive.
It’s out now!! This project has been roughly eight years in the making, since the time I finished writing “Leviathan of the Ancient Deep“… and this album itself has taken about a year to complete. It was all worth it–I learned so much in the process and I think we’ve got a really superb collection now! 🙂
Thank you to everyone who made this possible: musicians, backers, and everyone else who patiently rooted for me.
In a world where adventure calls and the intrepid answer… where the daring explore a mystifying world of Dream and Thought… where heartbreak twists into furious desperation… where virtuosic fits of funkiness stare brazenly into the face of danger… where forgetfulness drives discovery and hope…
In this world, Leviathan — a creature that haunts the Ancient Depths — lies in wait to strike upon those that seek its legendary might! Who will win this contest of wills? The stirring waves bear witness to this eternal struggle…
“Legend Seekers” Album Notes
Listen to it on any of your favorite music platforms today!
In a world where adventure calls and the intrepid answer… where the daring explore a mystifying world of Dream and Thought… where heartbreak twists into furious desperation… where virtuosic fits of funkiness stare brazenly into the face of danger… where forgetfulness drives discovery and hope…
In this world, Leviathan — a creature that haunts the Ancient Depths — lies in wait to strike upon those that seek its legendary might!
Who will win this contest of wills? The stirring waves bear witness to this eternal struggle…
Get an exclusive sneak peek at all the tracks on the upcoming “Legend Seekers” album below! If you like what you hear, pre-order the album on Bandcamp to receive two tracks NOW ahead of release as well as several extra goodies, like exclusive Leviathan artwork and liner notes! Coming soon, there’ll also be a Spotify […]
Evoking the driving forces of metamorphosis and migration, INTREPID is a cinematic Fantasy for soloist on oboe and english horn, with small chamber orchestra accompaniment. It is rich in color and texture, persistently forward-moving on its sweeping journey.
Completed in 2015, this work consists of a rather unusual ensemble, as it was written for a very specific group in mind. But, in fact, I love how this unique texture plays into all the richness of color and harmony as well as transparency. This is definitely one of my favorite works; I love the melody and harmonies… someday I hope to re-record it with an expert group. 🙂
It’s officially available now! Go check out my new EP, “SONATA MODERNA“!
Album Notes
This EP features all new Classical music, as well as the return of a recent favorite, composed and performed by Sarah Wallin Huff. SONATA MODERNA is a sonic journey of movement — of nostalgia and anticipation.
The title track, “Sonata Moderna,” is based on an ancient piece from the 17th century (“Sonata sopra la Monica” by Biagio Marini). Featuring two violins and cello with rock rhythm and chords, the past is united with the present in this driving work. Featuring: Sarah Wallin Huff (violins), Anne Sherrill (cello), Paul Hoover (electric guitar), Emily Gibb (electric bass), and Dave Gruchacz (drum set).
“Sweet Camila” returns (re-recorded) from its debut in the soundtrack album, “Music for The Book of I.” Based on Camila, a feature character in Jorge Armenteros’ novel, “The Book of I,” this work for string quartet looks back at good times with nostalgia while encouraging our main character to move forward with hope. Featuring: Brett Bird and Lainey White (violins), Sarah Wallin Huff (viola), and Anne Sherrill (cello).
“Organic Circuitry” is a unique string quartet, pitting the acoustic violin and cello against electric 5- and 6- string violins with effects. It evokes a futuristic state of being, merging ancient instruments with new technology. Featuring: Sarah Wallin Huff (acoustic and electric violins) and Anne Sherrill (cello).
As a bonus, the newest composition from Wallin Huff, “Intrepid: A Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist and Chamber Ensemble,” has been included in this release. “Intrepid” is a dramatic expression of Life’s Journey, of migration and personal metamorphosis. Featuring: Allison McKay (solo Oboe/English Horn), Asuncion Ojeda and Tiffany Gibb (flutes/piccolo), Russell Vittrup (clarinet), Clayton Slusser (bassoon), Jeff Boultinghouse (horns), Daniel Chandler and Phil Alimoren (trombones), Lyle Michaud (piano), Sarah Wallin Huff (percussion), and the strings — Violins: Mel Bolosan, Josh LeMaster, Corinne Olsen, Abby Olson, Lainey White (concertmaster), Tim Yao; Viola: Sean Lyons; Cello: Emily Rader; Bass: John Hester. Conducted by Sarah Wallin Huff.
All tracks recorded, produced, and mastered by Tyler Bailey at The Master’s College, Santa Clarita (CA), except for “Sweet Camila,” which was recorded, produced, and mastered by Mauricio Gasca at Scott Frankfurt Studio, Los Angeles (CA).
And many thanks to those who graciously gave their amazing talents to make this happen: Tyler J Bailey, Mauricio Gasca Music, Scott Frankfurt Studio, TMC Music, Anne Tribble Sherrill, Brett Bird, Lainey Elizabeth White, Emily Gibb, Paul Hoover, Dave Gruchacz, Allison McKay, Asuncion Ojeda, Tiffany Gibb, Russell Vittrup, Clayton Slusser, Jeff Boultinghouse, Daniel Chandler, Philip Alimoren, Lyle Michaud, Mel Bolosan, Joshua LeMaster, Corinne Olsen, Abby Olson, Tim Yao, Sean Lyons, Emily Rader, John Hester.
Oh! And THANK YOU to José Marques for the way-excellent album artwork!
It’ll show up on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc.. in just a few more days…
Enjoy! ^_^
At last, the sheet music – both the Score alone, and the Score & Parts – for “INTREPID: A Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist and Chamber Ensemble” is available!
Check out my Sheet Music Store for this and other available works for a large variety of instrumental and vocal combinations!
Announcing the completion of my latest work, INTREPID, a Fantasy for Oboe/English Horn Soloist and Chamber Ensemble – specially written for my talented friend, Terry Halvorson!
I am so happy with the way this piece turned out, and I can’t wait to hear it live. More details on that to come… 😉
A talented friend of mine, Terry Halvorson — oboe, english horn, and recorders-of-all-sizes player extraordinaire — has asked me to compose a new work for his upcoming senior recital. Not only am I always thrilled to write something new for the people I know and love, I’m so pleased with how this work is finally coming along; it took me a bit to get a feel for the nature of this piece and see it unfold.
Enjoy this brief 3 minute teaser demo of my opening ideas from this new, rapidly emerging Fantasy for Oboe and English Horn!
