Earthdrawn Skies
Azica, 2023
9/10
The Grammy nominees Aizuri Quartet balance the idea of humankind and nature via these 4 stunning pieces where they continue to ‘sing through their instruments’.
Hildegard von Bingen’s “Columba Aspexit” opens the listen with Alex Fortes’ arranging skills making for a poetic and gripping display of string interaction with a slight atmosphere, and “String Quartet No.1”, by Eleanor Alberga, follows with the swift and dynamic violins complemented by the low cello rumbling for a very agile climate.
On the back half, “Armenian Folk Songs”, by Komitas Vardapet, emits much beauty via the skilled bowing and plucking techniques, while Jean Sibelius’ “String Quartet In D Minor Op. 56, Voces Intimae” exits with much self-reflection and intimacy.
This recording marks the last with the founding violist Ayane Kozasa and founding cellist Karen Ouzounian, and it certainly parallels the greatness of their Grammy Nominated Blueprinting, as they continue to create a unique and inviting place to reside in the string quartet setting.
Travels well with: Yolanda Kondonassis- Five Minutes For Earth; Miriam K. Smith- Momentum