Conjuring: The Viola Music Of David Jaeger
Redshift, 2023
8/10
Listen to Conjuring: The Viola Music Of David Jaeger
The violist Elizabeth Reid and the pianist Alison Bruce Cerutti come together for this passionate and meticulous interpretation of the work of the Canadian legend David Jaeger.
The album begins with the stirring and warm “Sonata, Tristan And Isolde”, which unfolds across 3 graceful chapters of beauty and reflection, as Reid and Cerutti blend their instruments with much poise, and “Sonata No. 1 For Viola and Piano” follows with much emphasis on mood, where the emotive strings and firm keys emit much balance.
The remainder of the listen belongs to Reid, and it showcases the intricate string manipulation of the diverse “Six Miniatures For Unaccompanied Viola”, while “Favour” exits with a quivering, sometimes haunting display of string acrobatics that are as stunning as they are captivating.
A highly creative take on contemporary classical sounds that uses electronics as well, Reid and Cerutti touch on chamber and electroacoustic sensibilities with an exceptional vision.
Travels well with: Christopher Butterfield- Souvenir; Instruments Of Happiness- Slow, Quiet Music In Search Of Electric Happiness