Hot Silk

OMP081 Benjamin Thorn Hot Silk

Benjamin Thorn possesses an extremely unique personality. Whether he is employing a language based on the I, IV and V chords in the key of C or one of pure noise, his personality is always identifiable.  It is very much evident in Hot Silk, a light-hearted three-movement work for alto recorder and harpsichord.

The first, marked "Presto" is in 7/8 time and has a strong feeling of dynamism.  Movement two, marked "Gently," is in a moderate 5/8 and is one of Thorn's most lyrical statements.  The third movement, marked "Vigorously," is in 6/8 and features hemiola rhythms.  In of three, Thorn vacillates between tonality and modulates in unexpected ways. The edition is excellent.  This is a very good piece, suited to the advanced amateur.

Pete Rose, American Recorder, March 2004