The New Epoch
Navona, 2022
8/10
A trio of musicians from the Boston Artists Ensemble, Lucia Lin (violin), Jonathan Miller (cello) and Diane Walsh (Piano) interpret pieces by Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, and Lili Boulanger here, and it comes with much skill and a very modern approach.
Debussy’s “Sonata For Cello And Piano” opens the listen with warm keys and stirring strings making for a reflective, intimate beginning that later on plucks playfully amid swift finger acrobatics, and it isn’t long until Ravel’s “Sonata For Violin And Cello” has the duo emitting much beauty and grace in the meticulous, sometimes bare, other times firm gestures.
Boulander’s work arrives closer to the end, where “Nocturne” flows with a mesmerizing, hypnotic quality of sublime song craft, while “Cortége” is an upbeat display of dynamic, busier interaction between the trio. Fauré’s “Berceuse” finishes the listen, and it’s a poetic, flowing and reflective exit that is so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.
A extremely precise listen, all 3 artists shine bright throughout the compositions, as they retain the spirit of the originals while injecting a contemporary demeanor that places them in the context of our current, stormy times.
Travels well with: Duo Sequenza- Yes… It’s Still A Thing!; The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- Minature Symphonies