Weber Iago: Children of the Wind

The Rio-born composer and pianist Weber Iago’s Children of the Wind (Adven-ture) is strongly reminiscent of Oregon. This isn’t surprising given that Paul McCandless is playing oboe, with Caito Marcondes on tabla and caxixi (along with Iago on piano and Rogerio Botter Maio on bass). Iago doesn’t stay in Oregon for long, though: “The Making of a Path” is a meditative solo piano piece, followed by “Sonata Brasileira,” a radiant duet with flutist Keith Underwood. McCandless then overlays four different reed instruments on the brief “Sara,” another affecting duo, with Iago on piano and pipe organ. All this leads up to the 30-minute title suite, which is preceded by a freely improvised, three-movement “Prologue.” The suite features seven or eight instruments in different combinations and unfolds in four parts. Underwood and cellist Joanna Blendulf are prominent in this multilayered and captivating story, which is informed, like all of Iago’s work, by an advanced harmonic logic.

Originally Published December 1, 2004