Elif Savas Wing

"Songs From the Age Of The Closet" Elif Savas Review by: Len      A musical voyage via theme, classical in subject and executed with professional perfection. Savas has amazing control with  full and rich vocal quality. Piano accompaniment by Martin Hennessy is accomplished, knowing, and equals Savas in  interpretation and delivery. A unique and long overdue theme, Savas and Hennessy make the wait well worth while. Admirers of classical music will be very pleased with the selections, execution, and overall experience. As well, I am sure this CD will bring new appreciation to the composers honored by inclusion.

     The overall theme which brings this experience together is as stated on the CD: "Art Songs by Gay Composers of the 19th and 20th Centuries." Some composers such as Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky are known to most. (Although the history of the composers offered on Savas' website may surprise some.) Others are more moderately known; Reynaldo Hahn, Francis Poulenc, and Charles Tomlinson Griffes. Martin Hennessy, the accompanist as well as one of the composers featured, is an eminent pianist and vocal coach in New York City. Well traveled, his background is impressive as are his personal passions. Again, check out the Savas website, the information on the composers, Elif, and Martin make an enjoyable read.

     Elif Savas, a native of Istanbul, now residing in New York, has an absolutely profound vocal gift. Her list of accomplishments in addition to the long list in music, include film and publishing. With two cookbooks, and directing award winning documentary film COUP to her credit, Savas is indeed a strong artistic source with varied interests and abilities. The vocal talent Savas brings to the works included on "Songs From The Age of The Closet" is amazing. Her clarity, sensitivity, and technique are well suited to the material, and do credit to the composer's works.

     All in all the combination of Savas, Hennessy, and the selections included make for a beautiful and thoughtful compilation. This is a great choice to start your classical and or GLBT collection. If you are adding to an existing collection, this CD is a must. To learn more about Elif Savas, Martin Hennessy, the other composers, lots of history, and as well purchase information visit the Savas website.

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