Turning
Neuma, 2026
9/10
The violinist James Lyon delivers a highly personal effort that celebrates his 35 year stint at Penn State as a teacher.
Albert Spalding’s “Sonata in E for Violin Solo” opens the listen with 4 segments that range from intimate to animated, and illustrate Lyon’s complete mastery of his instrument with much care.
Bruce Trinkley’s “Courtyard Tango” follows with a lyrical angle, where inspiration from a poem by Emily Grosholz aids in the expressiveness of the strings, while “Praying Alone”, by Baljinder Sekhon, explores the difference between solitary and communal prayer with eloquence.
Carolina Heredia’s “Déjate Caer” exits, and it injects electronics and influence from the Argentine poet Alejandra Pizarnik for a very distinct emotional capacity that’s nothing short of captivating.
A project that’s dramatic in engaging ways and embraces contemporary classical ideas with a meticulous vision, Lyon plays a violin like few others can, and it’s makes for a riveting experience.
Travels well with: Patti Cudd- Cyanotypes; Sara Paar/Marcia Eckert- Wisdom’s Harvest