Lorenzo De Finti Quartet: Mysterium Lunae

Where so much music (like life itself) became permanently divided between the Covid-19 age and the world before, there were some creations here and there that bridged both sides of the gap. Lorenzo De Finti happened to have this set in progress when the first shutdowns hit, but suddenly ended up cut off from his home and studio for four months. The enforced isolation and contemplation inevitably seeped into the music once he could get back to work, then inevitably re-shaped things even further before he and his quartet could finally get together to record almost a year later.

With de Finti and longtime co-composer Stefano Dall'Ora having so much extra time to sit with the material, it gradually blossomed into a work patient and picturesque. Mysterium Lunae shows a majesty of the most understated kind. The pieces flow as naturally as shifting tides. The band makes the pieces feel vast by simply letting the light and shade naturally unfold. With an occasional share of heavy crashing and sweeping drama, the outing still never loses its humility and intimacy.

It's easy to tag new quartet member Alberto Mandarini as the star (if there is one) for his gliding horn lines that provide the warmest high-flying moments. Often the other three all stay in the rhythmic zone together, de Finti hanging back at the piano to add unobtrusive low vamps and rumbles. He sneakily provides his share of colorful moments as well, though, dashing off on quick jaunts or twining co- lead parts alongside bass or trumpet.

For all the vibrant horn work, it's Dall'Ora's bass that makes the most beautiful highlight—his showcase during "Whispers from the End of the World" is a particularly quiet and eloquent mid-set breather before he and Mandarini jointly take to the sky. The centerpiece illustrates the heart of Mysterium Lunae itself: the quartet takes patient time to ponder the sadness of the times, then reminds us the strangeness can still be beautiful and heartwarming.