Vigil Vol. 1
New Focus Recordings, 2025
8/10
The composer Ryan Vigil treats us to a pair of his expansive works, where Lilit Hartunian and John McDonald flesh out the lengthy pieces.
“untitled work for violin and piano (2009)” starts the listen with strong attention to tonality, as McDonald’s emotive keys align with Hartunian’s stirring strings. The 50+ minute tracks simmers softly, occasionally finding haunting ebbs via its minimalistic and sometimes cinematic exploration.
“untitled work for violin and piano (2019)” occupies the back half, and though it carries a much shorter duration, it’s no less involved. The keys can rumble a bit here, and the precise string mood emits wonder and mysteriousness.
The subtle use of color, rhythm and melody is greatly appreciated here, where pitch and timbral precision yield much thoughtfulness in a contemporary classical and chamber fashion.
Travels well with: Daniel Pesca- Walk With Me, My Joy; Susan Botti- River Spirits