Charm, Passion, And Acrobatics
Navona, 2022
8/10
Listen to Charm, Passion, And Acrobatics
The viola extraordinaire Misha Galaganov and pianist John Owings bring us the work of Pierre Kunc, Désiré-Émile Inghelbrecht, and Ernest Chausson here, and it’s a highly technical and emotive performance.
“Nocturne for Cello (or Viola) and Piano”, by Inghelbrecht, opens the listen with the strings and keys interacting with much beauty in the very stirring, fluid delivery, and Kunc’s “Sonata For Viola And Piano” follows with the keys being a bit more firm, as the tense viola pays much attention to mood.
Inghelbrecht’s “Prélude et Saltarelle” resides in the middle and is often bare but impactful in the poetic demeanor, while Kunc’s “Rapsodie for Viola and Piano: Fêtes - Recueillement – Danses” illustrates a very meticulous nature between the pair that moves swiftly. Chausson’s “Piece for Cello (or Viola or Violin) and Piano, Op. 39” exits the listen, and it’s full of intimacy and exploration where the pair both illustrate incredible skill with their respective instruments.
Galaganov stumbled upon some overlooked 19th century viola music at a public library, which was the impetus for this project, and along with Owings it turned into an expressive and dynamic affair of mostly unheard pieces
Travels well with: Gibbs Street Duo- Memories Unsettled; Monika Gurak- Scenes From A Life