[Cover photo credit to Guy Harrop]
Violinist and composer Darryl Way first gained fame in the British progressive rock band Curved Air, whose 1970 debut album included the 7-minute instrumental “Vivaldi” with Way drawing from that classical composer. The group’s second album included “Back Street Luv,” their biggest hit, co-written by Way, and the flip side of that single, “Everdance,” truly showcased Way’s electric violin. During the ‘70s, Way was a member of both Curved Air and a band he led named Wolf. In recent years, Way has released a series of instrumental albums called Destinations, his progressive rock album and accompanying book, aptly titled The Rock Artist’s Project, and his contemporary recording Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in Rock.
Earlier this year, Way released Violin Fantasia, a collection of three original pieces for solo violin, symphony orchestra, and chorus. Now he is back with Violin Fantasia II, with three more movements, running between ten to thirteen minutes each, which Wildfire discussed with Way.
Available digitally from Spirit of Unicorn Music/Cherry Red Records
Warren Kurtz: Congratulations on another beautiful suite of songs. My favorite is the “First Movement,” due to it being the wildest.
Daryl Way: Thank you. The “First Movement” announces itself with a fanfare that leads to a sweeping and heroic theme which asserts all the positive life forces. It is followed by a more whimsical interpretation of life, that leads into a Petrushka-like dance section, full of joy and merriment before returning to the earnestness of the main theme. Then there is a reflective and dream-like reverie, which we are suddenly woken up from by the realization that there is work to do be done and fun to be had. This is followed by a set of variations on a repeated bassoon theme, that builds and builds with ever increasing syncopation and fireworks from the solo violin. This eventually leads us back to the main theme followed by one last reflective section, before the final triumphal statement of the main theme.
WK: I hear your violin leading the charge, but how do you achieve the bassoon and orchestral sounds?
DW: I played the top string parts and the rest of it is a high quality and very expensive sampled orchestra, recorded at Air Lyndhurst Hall Studio in London. It includes the same samples that film composer Hans Zimmer chooses from. The album is a high energy, powerhouse piece of neo-romantic classical music, that aims to inspire and enthrall. Thematically, it is about hope and aspiration, frugally intermingled with heartfelt reflections on the human condition. It is called a “Fantasia” as opposed to a “Concerto” because of its goal to transport the listener to what could be called a fantasy world, full of hope, wonder and above all, joy.
WK: The “Slow Movement,” in the middle of the album, is softly soothing.
DW: The “Slow Movement” is a statement of purity and innocence, tinged with sadness, regret and at one point, anger, at its inevitable loss.
WK: The full excitement returns in the finale, with a tremendous build in the first minute.
DW: The “Last Movement” represents the beginning of a great adventure full of optimism and excitement, mingled with a little doubt and insecurity about the journey ahead. During the journey, a dance is held, which leads to much drunken merriment and a lot of staggering about. In a drunken stupor they fall asleep and have unsettling dreams, before waking up the next day with awful hangovers. They struggle to get themselves prepared again for the ongoing journey but eventually manage to get themselves going again. As they travel, they fondly remember the previous evening’s festivities before the reality of the task in front of them slowly sinks in. Soon, they are in reach of their goal, and optimism and excitement spread. Finally, with great joy they triumphantly reach their destination and celebrate. Your promotion of my musical works has always been much appreciated and is very helpful in getting the word out. All the best to you, your family, and the readers.
(Darryl Way’s Violin Fantasia II clips reel, 2:28 highlights of the album, acted out)
Warren Kurtz, a long-time music journalist and author, can be contacted at fabulousflipsides@yahoo.com
