Nineteen Movements For Unaccompanied Cello
Acis, 2021
8/10
Listen to Nineteen Movements For Unaccompanied Cello
The Bang On A Can All-Stars member and Grammy winner Arlen Hlusko brings her sublime cello prowess to this very well thought effort, where she performs the composer Scott Ordway’s Nineteen Movements For Unaccompanied Cello with amazing technique and poise.
“I” starts the album with careful, precise string picking in a calm, soothing atmosphere, and “Ii” follows with a lower register of cautiously manipulated cello that almost seems spacey in its skilled delivery.
Further on “Vi” takes a darker turn, where a firm, almost jarring execution of cinematic qualities in present, while “Vii” extends on that cue even further into abrasive, fascinating string work that few could replicate. “Ix”, one of the album’s best, then flows with a tense beauty that’s so meticulous it rarely seems like just one cello is present.
Approaching the end, “Xv” shines with both bare, minimal moments as well as lush, graceful moments of classically influenced song craft, and “Xix” finishes the listen gentle, even meditative, as Hlusko displays an intimate relationship with her craft and execution.
Hlusko and Ordway worked together for over a year on this project when they were both involved with the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and their attention to detail is nothing short of sublime as the pair showcase much depth, diversity and timelessness.
Travels well with: The Crossing- Rising w/The Crossing; David Liptak- Dove Songs