Anthony DiLorenzo arranged this suite of highlights from his full-length Dracula ballet for the ensemble Proteus 7. Primarily a brass ensemble (of which DiLorenzo is leader and first trumpeter), the group is here augmented by woodwinds, percussion, and some really cool instruments including a Theremin, Bass Waterphone, and Daxophone. The latter is a piece of curved wood (with an implanted microphone) played with a bow, which produces some horrific roaring sounds. All of this makes for a deliciously spooky atmosphere, but it’s not all ghost and goblin effects–there’s plenty of real music going on. DiLorezno has composed music for ABC-TV as well as trailers for more than 70 movies, and it shows in the brilliant and exciting brass writing (some of the more dramatic passages remind me of the old Mannix television series).
However, the score heavily relies on waltzes and other classic dance forms, and there is a romantic, gothic sweep that informs the whole project. Elements of jazz make a welcome contribution as well, including atmospheric use of the marimba. The playing, as you would expect of such a devoted group of musicians, is simply brilliant–cutting-edge in its virtuosity. In short, this disc is a barrel of fun! Dorian’s amazing 24-bit recording and xCD technology reach new heights of realism, so much so that some listeners may consider upgrading their equipment, happily a less expensive proposition these days.
