The pairing of the horn and human voice as a duo is well-documented in Mary Beth Orr's latest release, "Good and True." Throughout "The Singing Horn," an album highly regarded by music critics, Orr perfectly combines classical precision with folk empathy to create delightful residences in a musical vista that is as enduring as it is profoundly individual.
Orr, who proves right away she can play on the horn and sing as well. Her French horn melds seamlessly with her voice, creating a sense of conversational textures that span the ages. The audience became immersed in an acoustic scene where traditional folk melodies blended seamlessly to convey genuine emotions.
Orr has an impressive resume, currently serving as the 3rd Horn of the Grand Rapids Symphony. She has performed with the Detroit and Charleston Symphonies, among others. Additionally, she was a prizewinner at both the International Horn Competition of America and the Solo Competition of the International Women's Brass Conference. But "Good and True" displays a side of her artistry that can be soft, self-reflective, and appreciated for the sentiment behind it.
The song also represents Orr's broader conceptual scope for "The Singing Horn," which she describes as "a love letter to my life, and to yours." Whether she's interpreting the words of folk standards like "I'll Fly Away" or Mahler's "Songs of the Wayfarer," Orr invites you on a musical journey that transcends the boundaries of culture and time. Awarded Silver Outstanding Achievement Honors at the Global Music Awards 2025, Orr's work on this piece is a miraculous display of technique and also life. A bright centerpiece of this almost concept album, "Good and True" shines like a star, leaving you uplifted yet pensive long after the fade-out.
Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
August 14, 2025
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