Release Date: March 9, 2018
Catalog #: NV6148
Format: Digital & Physical
21st Century
Orchestral
Solo Instrumental
Flute
String Orchestra
Violin

Music from the Ethereal Side of Paradise

John A. Carollo composer

Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Stanislav Vavřínek conductor

John A. Carollo’s fourth PARMA release, and follow up to 2017’s THE TRANSFIGURATION of GIOVANNI BAUDINO, is a wondrous musical journey through the world of desire. With MUSIC FROM THE ETHEREAL SIDE OF PARADISE, Carollo makes an impassioned plea for the power of romance.

From the opening tensions and mystery of “Awakenings for String Orchestra” through the surprising, amorous joy of “Romanzo!” “Splendido Affare,” and “La Tortura dell’ Amore,” Carollo’s compositions communicate what mere words cannot: the inner rapture, utter fulfillment, and yes, the torture, of being in love.

Shifting slightly, and perhaps more into the ethereal, “Metamorphosis No. 3 for Solo Violin” introduces a newer, more contemplative element. With short notes and runs, the violin first cries out with unanswered questions followed by furrowed introspection. Two Guitar Etudes follow, demonstrating both intimacy and technique, while maintaining an inquisitive tone throughout.

As the album continues, we arrive at a vocal suite with “Little Gems” to be discovered throughout.

T.S. Eliot wrote “…the end of all our exploring/Will be to arrive where we started /And know the place for the first time.” MUSIC FROM THE ETHEREAL SIDE OF PARADISE does just that. Concluding as we began with a sumptuous string orchestra, we arrive where we started – enlightened and wise from our journey.

Listen

Hear the full album on YouTube

Artist Information

John A. Carollo

Composer

John A. Carollo studied piano as a child and was a member of a Catholic Church choir which sang for the congregation during weekend services. In 1986, he began composing for the piano and graduated from San Diego State University with a Masters Degree in Psychology. After moving to Honolulu HI in 1987, he started a career as a mental health counselor and social worker with the State of Hawaii, Department of Health. In 1997, he began private composition lessons with Dr. Robert Wehrman.

Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra

Orchestra

The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the foremost and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. It is based in the historical capital of Moravia, the city of Olomouc, and has been a leader of music activities in the region for the past 70 years. Its artistic development was directly influenced by distinguished figures from the Czech and international music scene.

Stanislav Vavřínek

Conductor

Stanislav Vavřínek is one of the most prominent Czech conductors and has been Chief Conductor of the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice since 2018. Having graduated from the Conservatory in Brno where he studied flute and conducting, he continued his education at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. Subsequently, he also took master classes with Roberto Benzi in Switzerland, culminating with a concert in which he conducted the Biel Philharmonic Orchestra.