CCMusic.com

Acclaimed composer Patrick O'Malley's The Horizons constitutes a musical odyssey, curated by O'Malley and featuring the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Andrew Constantine, with virtuoso violist Brett Deubner. The album explores depths of emotion, dichotomies, and the joys of orchestral expression.

O'Malley's viola concerto, named The Horizons, encapsulates a journey of rejuvenation and maturation. Born from the challenges of the Covid lockdowns, O'Malley's composition captures a sense of rebirth, while Brett Deubner's performance on the viola, navigating fragility and strength, demonstrates the delicate balance between soloist and orchestra. Elsewhere, "Obliviana" delves into anxieties surrounding technological advancement, juxtaposing dystopian visions with moments of euphoria, while "Rest and Restless" navigates terrestrial concerns, weaving through emotional landscapes with an orchestral palette amplifying the solo double bass origins.

Brett Deubner's expressive playing in O'Malley's "Soliloquy," serves as an encore, highlighting the viola's beauty in isolation.