Division Of Memory
Navona, 2021
8/10
The cello extraordinaire Thomas Mesa takes on pieces written by composers Lydia Jane Pugh, George Holloway, Ben Yee-Paulson, Jonathan Chenette, and Elizabeth Start, and each composition takes on a personality of its own, sometimes with the help of Yoon Lee’s piano skills.
“Carolina’s Jig” starts the listen with Mesa solo, where he manipulates the cello in ways that are percussive, almost rock’n’roll like even, while still making the most of the strings, and “Novella (Chapter One)” follows with Mesa’s cello and Yoon Lee’s piano interacting with a stirring intimacy that’s a bit mysterious in its unique beauty.
In the middle, “Suite For Solo Cello No. 1” unfolds across 3 chapters with just the cello emitting an emotive quality that’s capable of bare moments as well as playful bouts of incredible string manipulation, while “Elegy And Affirmation” brings Lee back on keys for the very intricate and cautious delivery where the pair weave in and out of reflective musicianship.
“Echoes In Life” finishes the listen and highlights Mesa’s sublime cello prowess with a poetic and heartfelt approach that makes an indelible impression in its stunning conclusion.
An extremely enlightening listen that focuses on an instrument that’s often overlooked, the inspiration from traditional Paiute Indian melodies, ideas lifted from Asian bowed string instruments and traditional fiddle playing makes for a very unique experience that’s easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.
Travels well with: George David Kieffer- The Ambassador’s Wife And Other Stories; Bruce Crossman- Heaven To Earth Border House