American Record Guide

This is an album from Swedish composer Jonathan Östlund, titled “Voyages”. Voyages, indeed—there are 27 works of a variety of styles and instrument groupings, spread over 2-1/2 hours. This is essentially a concept album, so the intent is for the listener to hear it in one sitting to get the full effect; that can be daunting. Its nature themes are made abundantly clear by recurring recordings of bird song, among other sounds. The music moves from one aesthetic environment to the next—from fresh spring waters and moonlit nights to twilit autumn trees and stark winter winds. Music heard earlier can reappear later in an entirely different piece—a nice touch. Östlund’s style is romantic and impressionist, but with a unique voice that keeps it interesting.

—Nathan Faro