David Homan Releases THE BOOK OF ESTHER

David Homan, a New York City-based contemporary composer/pianist, releases an ambitious 11 movement CD/DVD entitled The Book of Esther - a two-part work based on Jewish history. Originally scored as a ballet for the Ariel Rivka Dance company, the Book of Esther lyrically depicts the Biblical story of Purim, as seen through the lens of feminism, women's empowerment and two brave, strong female characters.

"Though this work is a Jewish work, the story concentrates on the inner struggles of the characters and the choices they made," explains David Homan. "Moments of sadness, anger, fear and hope run through both Vashti and Esther, creating a thoughtful and engaging work, with mixing middle eastern melodies with romantic harmony."

The CD opens with the story of Vashti, whose journey begins with a foreshadowing of her decision to "Release the Crown." The ensemble of Violin (Mario Gotoh), Guitar (Nadav Lev), Cello (Elad Kabilio), and Piano (Ben Laude) plays on variations of Vashti's theme mixed with thematic and narrative moments serving to introduce the leading characters, and explore the unique situation that keeps them bound in servitude to the whim of the King.

The third movement, "Trapped" focuses on the gradual realization that they women's lives, including their dignity, are intrinsically tied to the choice the King will make for a Queen. "The Choosing" which follows concludes after a heavy rhythmic outpouring of motion that Vashti is chosen. From her decision to release the crown, Vashti becomes one the first women to stand up to a man and deny his wishes in written history.

The second half, about Esther, brings in clarinetist Moran Katz, adding to the ensemble and echoing Vashti's theme as it is transformed into the next heroine to become Queen, Esther. After the selection of Esther as Queen following the departure of Vashti, Esther is crowned, and her cousin Mordechai subsequently refuses to bow to the evil character of Haman. The score follows each interaction, weaving in previous elements to build towards a major climax.

Faced with the prospect of death, Esther takes a moment to decide whether to "Step from her shadow," and when she does the finale, layered with multiple meters and competing moments for clarity builds towards the climax where Esther reveals her heritage to save her people.

His previous recording, Waterrocks (Homanmusic June 2013), was played in more than 125 radio stations including most major markets repeatedly, with comments from KCND Station that the music was "fresh and travels in unexpected musical directions," and by Bill Baker at WCNY Classical that the work was "maaahvelous. So lyrical, so fluid. I'm a fan of ballet works, and this is obviously intended for movement..."

About David Homan

David Homan, a composer and collaborative artist who studied under Joan Tower, Kyle Gann, and the late Dinu Ghezzo, is a graduate of Bard College and NYU. With performances by the American Symphony Orchestra, Colorado String Quartet, Da Capo Chamber Players, his works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, off-Broadway, etc., as well as major dance venues such as DTW, Joyce Soho, the Di Capo Opera Theatre, MMAC, and the Joyce. Homan is a tonal composer who has established himself in a milieu often less focused on melodic and harmonic works. His accessible music, designed, in his words, "to take the listener on a journey," is influenced by Bartok, Brahms, and von Williams, as well as many Eastern European composers. He has received dance commissions with former ABT and Joffrey Ballet dancers, Randy James, Catherine Miller, and Ariel Rivka Dance. He recently released a hybrid classical rock album with his band EVA under his own label, Homanmusic, on Naxos, and Waterrocks, depicting 7 unique collaborations with dance companies. homanmusic.com

About the Performers

Mario Gotoh (violin) holds two Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Violin and Viola Performance from Stony Brook University. Mario is the Concertmaster at the new Radio City Music Hall show, Heart & Lights, debuting March 2014. Based in NYC, she maintains an active performing schedule in a wide spectrum of musical styles, including early music on period instruments, contemporary classical music in close collaboration with composers, Broadway, popular music, disco, tango and folk genres and is already an enthusiastic educator on violin and viola. mariogotoh.com

Elad Kabilio (Cello) is an active soloist, chamber musician and a teaching artist. He has recently performed at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Morgan library, Aspen music festival and "Young Artist Showcase" on WQXR radio. Mr. Kabilio is devoted to bringing music to new audiences and last year he has founded "MusicTalks" an engaging and interactive concert lecture series that takes place in an intimate and informal setting.

Moran Katz (clarinet) recently won all top prizes of the prestigious 2013 Ima Hogg Competition -- First Prize, Audience Prize, and Artistic Encouragement voted on by the Houston Symphony Musicians. She has also won first and second prizes respectively in the Freiburg (Germany) and Beijing International Clarinet Competitions. She received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School, where she was admitted with presidential distinction and a full scholarship.

Benjamin Laude (piano) has proven himself an accomplished and versatile performer in both solo and chamber settings. A frequent collaborator with dancers, his performance with Ballet Next at the Joyce Theater was hailed by Alastair Macauly of the New York Times as "beautiful" and "superb in pace, tone and eloquence." He holds a bachelor's degree in piano from Rice University and a master's degree from the Juilliard School, where he is currently completing his doctorate.

Nadav Lev (guitar) Andrés Segovia Award winner (Música en Compostela, Spain), Israeli guitarist and composer was hailed by Classical Guitar Magazine as "a talented and engagingly musical performer." His Carnegie Hall debut was described as a "sensitive and nuanced performance" and his debut album "a CD to savour and delight in... His playing is of the utmost authority." Awards include AICF's prestigious Abroad Studies Award, Joaquin Rodrigo Award (Jerusalem Guitar Competition) and Artists International. From classical to rock to ethnic and improvised music he performs throughout the US, Israel and Europe, in venues such as Lincoln Center and Merkin Hall. nadavlev.com

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