…beautiful strains of music were inspired by the environmental degradation of fracking. ā Anya Wassenberg, Ludwig van Toronto
- Academy Awards of Expendable Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Susan Truxell Sauter (lyrics) 2:58
- Seduction Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Mary Heather Noble (lyrics) 3:05
- Digging Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Michelle Donahue (lyrics) 4:22
- An Orbital Tour of Cities at Night Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Rachel Morgan (lyrics) 2:19
- Earth Elegy Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Stephanie Schultz (lyrics) 3:09
- Lullaby in Fracktown Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Lilace Mellin Guignard (lyrics) 4:18
- Ag Land Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Wayne Mennecke (lyrics) 3:26
- Prophecy Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Mark Trechok (lyrics) 5:49
- For My Daughter Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Michelle Regalado Deatrick (lyrics) 3:36
- Shift Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Wayne Mennecke (lyrics) 4:50
- It Was an October Day Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Christine Pennylegion (lyrics) 3:24
- Homeland Security Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Alison Hawthorne Deming (lyrics) 3:32
- Phoenix Rising Meredith Hall (soprano), Brahm Goldhamer (piano), Kathleen Burke (lyrics) 4:23
Frank Horvat has been successfully exploring states of the human condition in contemporary timesā¦Here his message is clear: music is an important tool in raising the level of positivity and hope on this planet as well as in our individual lives. Change is possible.
ā Ivana Popovic, The WholeNote Magazine, March 2023
I Am Who I Am Records is proud to present, Fractures, an album release of a new song cycle of music by Canadian composer Frank Horvat, performed by soprano Meredith Hall and pianist Brahm Goldhamer.
Fractures is an expansive song cycle that draws its inspiration from the environmentally detrimental practice of hydraulic fracking. Each song possesses its own unique narrative, yet collectively, the cycle weaves a compelling story, presenting different perspectives by twelve Canadian and American poets. As a result, there is a diversity of styles and themes, with recurring motifs of fire and water serving as integral threads to unify the work.
Fracking often lingers on the periphery of discussions surrounding energy options, given the perception that natural gas offers a ‘cleaner’ alternative to other fossil fuels. However, delving deeper reveals the staggering resources and chemicals required for fracking, as well as the heart-wrenching impact on both the land and the communities residing near these operations. This song cycle humanizes the issue by sharing varying perspectives and stories.
The cycle leads listeners through a revelatory journey, including with three epic songs, from āDigging’, to āProphecyā, then ‘Homeland Security’, and with many emotional (and musical) twists along the way.
Learn more about the making of this album.
Type
Song Cycle
ALBUM ART
Musicians
Meredith Hall (soprano)
Brahm Goldhamer (piano)
Composed and Produced By
Frank Horvat
Recorded At
Humbercrest United Church, Toronto, ON Canada, by Dennis Patterson, April-June 2023
Edited, Mixed, Mastered By
Dennis Patterson
Lyrics by
Kathleen Burke, Michelle Donahue, Alison Hawthorne Deming, Lilace Mellin Guignard, Wayne Mennecke, Rachel Morgan, Mary Heather Noble, Christine Pennylegion, Michelle Regalado Deatrick, Stephanie Schultz, Mark Trechok, Susan Truxell Sauter
Cover Photo
Oscar Keys
Cover Design
Matthew Maaskant
Booklet Design
Lisa Horvat
Release Date
17 Nov 2023
Frank Horvat is one of the most inventive song writers to come out of the contemporary scene in Canada.
ā Raul da Gamma, WholeNote Magazine
It’s evident to the ear that much time has been invested in crafting each song to stand on its own, separate from the next.
ā Skope Magazine, 2014
Story behind the tracks
01-13 Fractures song cycle
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