"The music of Marc Harris has a clear tonal basis, a great melodic & thematic richness and a wonderful sense of form & architecture – his three-movement work is one, great cohesive whole, with a great contrast of moods & emotion, and is brilliantly and effectively orchestrated. The Northern Film Orchestra, under the direction of Melvin Tay, and the Choir, conducted by Anna Beresford, give a superb performance of this work - deeply expressive and with a great balance and clarity of lines."
"Symphony No. 1 – Shifting Sands from composer Marc Harris is a powerful work of great expression from an exciting voice in contemporary music."
Phoenix Classical
From the ominous restraint of the opening, it is clear this is a piece of serious intent. Inspired by the landscapes of Africa, South America, and Asia, Marc Harris’ first symphony is ambitious, and the result is a remarkable achievement. A chorus sings in Latin (the text draws heavily on the Book of Revelation from the Christian Bible).
Colin Clarke - Fanfare Archive
Harris's symphony confronts this uncertain future with a heavy reliance on strings and horns, which sustain the melody and seem to push against the marching pulse of the timpani, as well as other harmonic elements that could swallow up every cycle of the reprised themes ad sonic landscapes.
Jacqueline Kharouf - Fanfare Archive
“The shifting sands will devour the temples of man.” That’s the superscription for this three-movement symphony for choir, orchestra and organ. So, is this a work that stands inspirational comparison with Shelley’s Ozymandias: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone / Stand in the desert. … My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” Harris’s selected words travel the same track-way.
Rob Barnett - Musicweb international
... And yet here it is, in all its magnificence, cast over an imposing canvas and utilizing a full symphony orchestra with chorus. I was intrigued, especially as the music has such visceral power.
Interview with Colin Clarke
" Marc has skilfully woven together many different musical elements, paying reference to some of the great composers of the past whilst also delivering a sound with a modern, cinematic edge, taking inspiration from film scores. The symphony is composed for a full orchestra plus choir and church organ, allowing for a large difference in use of dynamics between the different moments of the piece. There is also a strong Arabic and middle eastern flavour running through the symphony in its use of harmony, which combined with the choir gives the piece a slightly timeless and ancient quality. Overall, the listener is treated to an epic musical landscape which ebbs and flows like rolling sand dunes in the desert."
Jack Hughes, Northern Film Orchestra
“I hear 1932 -2011: John Barry, John Williams and Max X Steiner (KONG!) very Korsakov-like and at the end of 3rd movement I hear Glass, (as in KOYANIQATSI, different instrumentation of course), good clarinets and their usage alongside the bottom strings in a Tango/Milonga habanera type suggestion, very rhapsodic with the chorus-definitely cinematic and impressionistic; Phrygian and arabesque… Love the woodwinds swirling around the brass like eels."
Tontxi Vazquez, Director, Producer and Screenwriter
Symphony No.2 'Aurora Nova'
The first recording of the Harris/Reeves three-movement 'Symphony No 2 - Aurora Nova' for orchestra & choir - beautiful, expressive and evocative - a major work.
Classical Music Daily
Aurora Nova registers as a substantial work of grand symphonic scope in its own right.
Textura
There is much to admire in this beautiful album—not only the music itself, but the recording
quality of this live performance, which feels present and tangible.
5 stars – Sweeping,romantic music from Marc Harris and Jo Reeves
Jacqueline Kharouf - Fanfare Archive
A fine piece, performed with enthusiasm and commitment. The age-old journey from darkness to light inspires once more. It is difficult not to listen to this and feel elevated.
Review by Colin Clarke
Marc Harris's composition, "AuroraNova," co-written with Jo Reeves and premiered in London in August 2023, is a testament to his innovative approach to orchestral music. The symphony
masterfully blends traditional orchestral elements with contemporary influences, creating a rich and immersive auditory experience. The interplay between the various sections of the orchestra is both intricate and harmonious, reflecting Harris's deep understanding of musical dynamics and structure. This work not only showcases his compositional prowess but also his ability to evoke
profound emotions through music. "Aurora Nova" stands as a significant contribution to modern symphonic repertoire, and I eagerly anticipate Harris's future compositions.
Jia Yi Lee, Judge, Music International Grand Prix
4 stars – A modern-day Requiem of sorts that won’t assault your ears...
Review by Mark Novak
Interview with Colin Clarke
