American Woman
Navona, 2024
8/10
Juliana Soltis’ cello and Ruoting Li’s piano interact with much care for these 13 pieces by under appreciated female composers.
Mary Howe’s “Ballade Fantasque” starts the listen with the strings and keys interacting with much grace and beauty across the 10 minutes of elegance, “Three Pieces Op. 40”, by Amy Beach, follows with a gentle fluidity that emits melody, warmth and emotion.
In the middle, Margaret Bond’s “Troubled Water” showcases Li’s playful keys amid the firm strings for the animated album highlight, while “Six Idylls for Cello and Piano, Op. 51” spans 6 chapters that are mesmerizing, intimate and intriguing.
The last selection, Florence Price’s “Adoration”, then exits with a rich and cautious display of timeless musicianship.
A highly expressive and powerful effort, Soltis and Li’s inimitable talents are front and center for these delicate, romantic and energetic gems.
Travels well with: Cornelia Sommer- New Enchantments; Dan Goble- Second Flight