Bowed Colors
Navona, 2023
8/10
The British-American violist Peter Sulski shows us the depths of his instrument with these mostly solo pieces that showcase 5 composers that embrace neoclassical and bare moments of tonal fascination.
John McGinn’s “Capriciously Strung” starts the listen with Randall Hodgkinson’s low piano and Sulski’s stirring string manipulation making for a very distinct, sometimes sparse, sometimes swift delivery, and “Tak Tak Tak!”, a solo viola piece. has Sulski illuminating Benjamin Ellin’s vision with precise and playful musicianship.
Halfway through, Tara Guram’s “Sonata For Solo Viola” unfolds across 9 chapters of stirring, poetic, even haunting sounds that are never short on atmosphere and spans plenty of intimate moments, while “Sonatina For Viola And Piano”, by Richard E. Brown, recruits Hodginson’s cozy piano playing for the album’s best selection that births plenty of melody.
The final track, John Biggs’ “Invention For Viola & Tape”, leads with voices before segueing into the low viola that quivers with intense and gentle prowess.
Sulski was a member of the London Symphony Orchestra for seven years, and he brings that experience and his superb bow control to this contemporary listen that’s all finesse and detail.
Travels well with: Inviting Worlds Vol. 3; Paul Cohen- Center Chamber