January 28, 2025

SONG REVIEW 🎵📝 Alan Rinehart - Sorrow and Song op.70, Ernest Shand



radioairplay.com independent new music



Alan Rinehart - Sorrow and Song op.70, Ernest Shand
Classical Guitar, Instrumental
Canada




Overall Impression: Canadian classical guitarist Alan Rinehart delivers an inspired interpretation of one of British composer Ernest Shand's most captivating works, with his release of "Sorrow and Song, Op.70". Featured on his 2025 album titled "In Parlors Past", this piece sets a pastoral mood with tender, cascading melodies in D major that breathe freely, allowing plenty of room for artistic self-expression and sublime musicality from Rinehart. Elegant and refined harmonies gently push and pull the sentimental melodic top line along, providing a rewarding listening experience that soothes the soul, filling the ear with peaceful pleasantries and relaxing tones. Classical guitar enthusiasts, particularly those with an appreciation for the instrument's history and legacy, can find Alan Rinehart's recording of Ernest Shand's "Sorrow and Song, Op.70" available now for streaming on all major music platforms.


Strongest Point(s): Solid production, excellent recording. The upper register in particular sounds exceptionally clear and bright. Gorgeous intonation and dynamics throughout. Wonderful choice of material, spotlighting a lesser known composer who contributed massively to the instrument's repertoire and popularity. This particular piece certainly epitomizes the parlor music trend that was booming around the turn of the century, and shows the classical guitar's range and expressiveness as a solo instrument. You really allow this piece to breathe, giving it a life of its own and allowing it to tell its story without any technical hinderance or clunkiness at all. Overall you managed to capture the calming and relaxing essence of the composition, and presented it as one would imagine it was originally performed in Victorian salons. Absolutely brilliant work here, kudos!


Target Audience Appeal: Classical, Contemporary Classical, Solo Guitar

Artist target suggestions: Ernest Shand, Andres Segovia, David Russell, John Williams, Joaquin Rodrigo, Julian Bream, Laura Snowden, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Andrew York

Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!


About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.