Mark J Saliba
The Continents
© 2008 Clarmas (9326806012018)
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A symphonic suite that travels through each continent capturing the flavors of their folk music. Exotic instruments combined with a full orchestra from Prague, exciting unique and uplifting music
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Mark Saliba was born in Sydney Australia in 1968. At a young age, he pursued music, studying piano and percussion. In1991, Mark left for the United States to further his studies as a Jazz pianist. In conjunction with jazz piano he studied composition with leading academics. While living in California, he played professionally as a solo pianist and with various trios and big bands. Returning to Australia in 1997, Mark continued to play piano but decided to focus on his skills as a composer. He has composed many orchestral works with 'The Continents' being his latest project.
The Continents is a symphonic suite for full orchestra that travels through some of the regions and countries of each continent, capturing the flavours of their folk music.The six continents of the suite are connected by short interludes that aim to create a contrast in mood by using a darker harmonic structure while linking the theme of one continent to the other.
The inspiration for writing The Continents was the composer's desire to create a piece of music that has a universal attribute, so that people from around the world can have some connection with it, through the familiarity of their cultural sound. By blending ethnic and indigenous instruments with a full symphonic orchestra, the composer's intention was to pave the way for an uplifting, energetic and happy ambience.
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Brilliant young composer
author: Evatt TamineOn a whim I thought that I would give a chance to this new piece of music by an unknown young composer. When I have done this in the past, I've happened upon some good music. This time I was stunned by the brilliance of this monumental piece of work. The idea itself is simple enough and has been seen before (obviously the most famous example being Holst’s “The Planets”): one piece of music dedicated to each of the continents, with brief but charming interludes. What struck me the first time I listened to “The Continents” was that I was carried away into the different continents and knew where I was without having to look at the CD’s booklet. Mr. Saliba has woven familiar musical themes into his seamless arrangements and produced a whole that is bitingly fresh and profoundly moving. The piece on Australia has a jaunty, youthful air, which was fun listening while the South American and European pieces are haunting, moving works. A wonderful find from a composer I hope to hear more from in the future.
Classical Pianist
author: Timothy D. Saeed"The Continents" is a spectacular and exceptional symphonic suite. Mark Saliba has written a sensational and innovative work blending various folk idioms with traditional western orchestral writing, creating a unique and dynamic composition. Full of exotic sounds and visual insinuations that take you around the world, this album is truly an invigorating journey. The imagination of this composer is astonishing and wonderfully refreshing. One of the best albums that I have heard this year!
Beautifully unique and exicting
author: SueWonderful. The music is exciting, fresh, the concept is very unique and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. It is definitely something you want to invest in as it will make you happy every time you listen to it. The album takes you through the continents and in the end you don't know which one you love the most. The music is not only enjoyable to listen to but it is also technically superb. Well done Mark. I will be looking forward to your next CD.