For the Record, Op. 295: Maria Dueñas; Alchymy Viols

August 15, 2024, 9:41 AM · 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!

Photo by Felix Broede.

Julian Gargiulo Sonata No. 4
Maria Dueñas, violin
Julian Gargiulo, piano

Back when she was 18 years old, Spanish violinist María Dueñas was one of four finalists in the seventh “Getting to Carnegie” Competition – each playing one movement of Julian Gargiulo’s Violin Sonata No. 4 – and was eventually crowned the competition’s winner. Today she releases a complete performance of the sonata, performed with the composer himself. The work was composed during the Covid lockdown, and its title “From the Window” is a reference to the time when it was only by looking through one’s window that connections could be formed and togetherness felt. BELOW: Gargiulo Sonata for Violin and Piano, No. 4 "From the Window."

Deep River: Spirituals' Cross-Currents
Alchymy Viols
Philip Spray director, orchestrator
Michael Walker II, countertenor

One might be tempted to think that there is no crossover in music that hasn’t been done yet; and thankfully, one would be mistaken. "Deep River" presents a vibrant selection of 21 African-American spirituals, interpreted by countertenor Michael Walker II and Old Music consort Alchymy Viols. A curious collaboration? Not at all, according to director Philip Spray. The viol consort’s historical purpose was to arrange popular tunes of its day; so it appeared only logical to try this setup on America’s first folk songs. It worked. Additional harmonies are provided by a distinctly anachronistic grand harp, and accompaniment by a small field pump organ. BELOW: Moses Hogan - Deep River.

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. 295: Maria Dueñas; Alchymy Viols

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