Search - John A. Carollo, Unspecified, Vit Micka :: John A. Carollo: Transcendence in the Age of War

Arousing tension

Filippo Focosi | Italy | 11/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The music of John A. Carollo, as I perceive it, evokes a sense of permanent tension in the listener. This character permeates his music form the first notes, and grows in intensity as the contrapuntal density and the rhythmic activity become more complicated, while remaining clearly perceivable in every single detail. Carollo, of course, is not the only one who has attempted to arouse a tension-like response in the listeners, but he does it in a personal and suggestive manner, and so his compositions are worth listening. Thanks to Navona for bringing us this very interesting music. Highly recommended."

John Carollo

Diane A | San Diego, CA United States | 10/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a long-time listener to John A. Carollo's musical works. I was very excited to hear this latest offering of his creative genius.

He asks us in the title of the album to rise above the anxiety and sadness of world we live in, and look beyond to a place where we may find our sanity and balance.



I won't go into little details of what note evoked what emotion in me. I will instead weave a tapestry of meaning from the entire album.

We begin with our feelings of trepidation for now and lost hope for tomorrow. The music understands our deepest fears. It gives us permission to not only have these emotions,but to express them with our fellow Man, with thanks to the very capable Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra.

After this seed is planted, the Saggese Suite furthers our exploration into ourselves. Guitar virtuoso Christian Saggese takes each movement to a higher level of understanding, we begin to experience the emotions that we've kept hidden under the shiny veneer we show others.

Our journey of self-awareness and understanding continues through the exceptional String Quartet No.1 when Saggese is joined by other strings.

We reach a point where we think we not only understand ourselves, but have solutions.

Then Carollo sends out a challenge to us to see exactly what we have learned in Fear of Angst for flute,piano,and cello

We again question our self-judgement and find the anxiety has returned in an undercurrent.. The cello and flute begin to carry us out of this Hell of our own making, as the piano tells us that this Bukowski-inspired Fear was merely to keep us from becoming too comfortable.



The Transcendence is a self-reckoning we learn to embrace only after we have shed our fears.

Carollo takes us on this very personal journey and when the music is complete, we find ourselves at peace.

An amazing trip, and very fulfilling.

Can't wait to see what's next from this gifted composer

"