The Dallas String Quartet has already established itself as one of the more forward-minded musical units working today. Their stunning classical reinventions of famed pop classics, both retro and modern, thrust them to the forefront of the contemporary classical scene. However, DSQ founder Ion Zanca’s compositional talents leap to the forefront of their artistry with the recent release of ROMANI: The Untold Story. It is a deeply personal project for Zanca. His visit to the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany brought him face to face with the horrors that his Romani ancestors, slurred as “gypsies”, suffered from the murderous Nazis. Eighty percent of German Romani, nearly 1.5 million, died in the camps between 1933 and 1945.
ROMANI: The Untold Story honors their memory.
URL: https://www.dallasstringquartet.com/
Working alongside the London Symphony Orchestra adds multiple dimensions to Romani’s five tracks. The opener, “Brewing Conflict”, sparkles with plentiful nuance and emotion. Notice the interplay between the violins, the thoughtful use of percussion, and the seamless segues from one section to the next. Zanca’s vision for the work reveals itself, at least in part, when listening to this cut.
The second track, “Letters of Pain”, introduces strings with marvelous effect. Violin complements the lyrical touches of that contribution, and the melancholy melodic strength of this composition is one of Romani’s unquestionable high points. Powerful dynamics are a hallmark of stirring classical music and this track doesn’t disappoint. The solid charge of emotion emanating from every second of this song leaves a lasting impact on listeners.
High-caliber melodic lyricism continues to power the release with the third track “Key of Heaven”. Keen listeners will note the deep emotional investment in each of these compositions and “Key of Heaven” accentuates this. The segue between individual sections never sounds welded uneasily together; the disparate parts add to a greater whole. DSQ manifests an extraordinary cumulative vision for this release that will leave any serious music listener wanting more.
Surprising diversity interjects itself with the introduction of guitar during “Sangre Gitana”. Sergio Pamies’ fleet-fingered mastery over the six-string and his ability to counterpoint the violin provides another of the release’s high points. The track continues to surprise listeners with its imaginative percussion, woodwinds, and seemingly effortless ability to maintain a high level of creativity. It runs nearly eight minutes long, making it Romani’s longest track. Listeners will remain rapt for the entirety of the performance.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/nz/album/romani-the-untold-story-ep/1759561573
Romani’s finale, “Rhapsody for the Romani”, is a gripping uptempo powerhouse putting an emphatic exclamation point on the collection. DSQ and their collaborators orchestrate a stirring climax that celebrates the wealth of passion the Romani bring to their lives and their ultimate survival in the face of impossible adversity.
Ion Zanca bares his soul in a deeper way than ever before. It wouldn’t be possible without the aid of his varied creative partners. Their combined efforts make ROMANI: The Untold Story one of 2024’s best releases – from anyone. It’s a must-hear for anyone who values music as art and holds up under repeated listens.
Garth Thomas