Soliloquies, Unaccompanied Pizzicato Violin Improvisations
True Sound, 2024
9/10
Listen to Soliloquies, Unaccompanied Pizzicato Violin Improvisations
The always impressive violinist Jason Kao Hwang presents a stirring album of solo pieces, where 12 personal and improvised pieces emit tremendous skill.
The aptly titled “At The Beginning’ opens with Hwang’s quivering strings that emit both adventurousness and warmth, and “Hungry Shadows” follows with carefully plucked strings that are strategic and soothing.
Further along, “Remembering Our Conversation” offers an eloquent and carefully structured album highlight, while “Dreams Dream” is a thought provoking moment of meticulous string manipulation.
Landing near the end, “Shards” uses space and tension superbly via Hwang’s inimitable vision, and “Before God” exits with strong attention to tonality that’s nearly cinematic in scope.
A record of gentle emotional qualities, Hwang never disappoints, and this excellent affair continues that trend.
Travels well with: Jason Kao Hwang- Uncharted; Jason Kao Hwang- Human Rites Trio