Sirventes
New Focus, 2023
8/10
The Cleveland cellist Brian Thornton brings us a collection of works for cello, solo and in ensemble, where members of the Iranian Female Composers Association contribute their inimitable talents to the 6 classically influenced pieces.
Mahdis Golzar Kashani’s “And The Moses Drowned” begins the listen with Katherine Bormann’s violin, Alicia Koelz’s violin, Eliesha Nelson’s viola and Thornton’s cello interacting with a quivering beauty that radiates a sublime intimacy but gets more firm at the end, and the solo cello “Vulnerable”, by Nina Barzegar, follows with 11+ minutes of meticulous string manipulation from Thornton’s very agile playing that bows and plucks precisely.
In the middle, Kiloufar Iravani’s “The Maze” unfolds across 3 chapters that highlight the Callisto Quarter, where Paul Aguilar and Rachel Aguilar’s violins are aligned with Eva Kennedy’s viola and Hannah Moses’ cello for the poetic and eloquent album highlight, while the title track has Amahl Arulanandam’s cello and Nathan Petitpas’ percussion making for a chilling, cinematic exercise in minimalism that uses pitch strategically.
The final selection, Mina Arissian’s “Suite For Cello”, then spotlights Thornton’s highly skilled playing that’s emotive, heart felt and explores migration, hope and renewal.
A superbly meticulous affair, the playing on hand is unmatched and truly showcases the unique vision of these Iranian composers.
Travels well with: Olivia De Prato- Panorama; Reiko Füting- Mechthild