For the Record, Op. 290: Antoine Tamestit; Akiko Suwanai; Brittany Haas & Lena Jonsson; Bayberry String Quartet; Lindsey Stirling

June 29, 2024, 5:39 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Violist Antoine Tamestit. Photo by Julien Mignot.

Joe Hisaishi in Vienna - Viola Saga
Antoine Tamestit, viola
Wiener Symphoniker, Joe Hisaishi conducting

In this album French violist Antoine Tamestit performs "Viola Saga" by film composer Joe Hisaishi, who has composed music for more than 100 films, including many for Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. Hisaishi fuses multiple styles – from minimalism and electronics to Western and Japanese classical traditions – to create an inimitable sound world all his own. This album is a recording of a concert at the Golden Hall of Vienna's Musikverein, and it also includes the Symphonic Suite from "Princess Mononoke." Tamestit plays on a 1672 Stradivari viola. BELOW: Viola Saga, Movement 2:

Brahms: The Sonatas for Piano and Violin
Akiko Suwanai, violin
Evgeni Bozhanov, piano

For this album Japanese violinist Suwanai and pianist Evgeni Bozhanov play Brahms' three sonatas for violin and piano, with Suwanai performing on the 1732 "Charles Reed" Guarneri del Gesu violin.
BELOW: Brahms: Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 2 in A Major, Op. 100: I. Allegro amabile

The Snake
Brittany Haas, fiddle
Lena Jonsson, fiddle

Fiddlers and composers Brittany Haas and Lena Jonsson present their first duo album in nearly 10 years, a collection of 12 tunes - including nine originals that were written and recorded in East Nashville over two weeks in March 2023. The two fiddlers met in 2010 - Jonsson from Northern Sweden and Haas from Northern California - and they immediately knew they were kindred spirits. This album "blends freedom and tradition, combining old-time's grit, classical’s grandeur, bluegrass’ improvisation, and Swedish folk’s groove – as only Brittany Haas and Lena Jonsson could." BELOW: "The Shipping Tunes":

Only Mozarts in the Building: Milanese Quartets K. 155 - 160
Bayberry String Quartet
Nurit Pacht, violin
Steffani Kitayama, violin
Gabe Bolkosky, viola
Laura Usiskin, cello

"While 16-year-old Mozart most likely meant his six Milanese string quartets for recreational play, he poured remarkable creativity into them. They are not only innovative from a compositional standpoint but also emotionally captivating, showcasing his early mastery of the genre." The album title comes from the Hulu TV series Only Murders in the Building - "The quartets and the show share many characteristics. Both are charming, warm, and humorous with surprises, theatrics, and outstanding storytelling." BELOW: Trailer for the album.

Duality
Lindsey Stirling, violin

Pop-violinist Lindsey Stirling presents her seventh studio, which celebrates the nature of duality. ""The title ‘Duality’ resonated with me deeply as it reflects the inner conflict I often experience," said Stirling. "There are moments when I feel fearless and self-assured, contrasted sharply by times when self-doubt creeps in and I question my worth." BELOW: "Eye of the Untold Her" from the album.

If you have a new recording you would like us to consider for inclusion in our "For the Record" feature, please e-mail Editor Laurie Niles. Be sure to include the name of your album, a link to it and a short description of what it includes.

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For the Record, Op. 290: Antoine Tamestit; Akiko Suwanai; Brittany Haas & Lena Jonsson; Bayberry String Quartet; Lindsey Stirling

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