Ellen Taaffe Zwilich writes in a manner that
is at once communicative yet that does not
make any obvious concessions to the ear. There
is an integrity to the works on this disc
- particularly the Violin Concerto - that
is most impressive.
The Violin Concerto was premiered
by the present soloist, Pamela Frank. The
New York Times referred to this concerto as
'A love song to the violin', excerpt
and it is easy to see what was meant. The
yearning, lyric side to the instrument is
to the fore – although this is not to underplay
the clear virtuosic element. Zwilich was a
professional violinist in the American Symphony
Orchestra for several years. Frank has no
problems whatsoever with the technical challenges
and it is amazing to think this is taken down
live. Yet it is in the long-breathed melodies
that she triumphs. There is an underlying
intensity to the whole concerto that is very
evident – certainly the live setting would
have helped. The warmth of the writing is
also memorable and it positively glows just
before the cadenza. excerpt
The slow movement is a rumination
on Bach's great Chaconne for solo violin and
is based on the opening notes thereof. excerpt
Frank plays the quasi-improvised high
melody of the opening with great sweetness
of tone, while Michael Stern paces the movement
carefully towards its climax.excerpt
Its slow inevitability is reminiscent on one
level of Birtwistle's monumental ritualisms
but with a more immediately approachable harmonic
backbone.
In contrast to this lyricism,
the finale has a definite rugged beginning,
excerpt
making us wait for the playfulness that comes
later. Frank's playing of the spikier writing
is excellent, while the long-breathed sections
are unhurried and expressive. The end is ruminative
yet joyous. excerpt
A major violin concerto that is now accessible
to all at this super-budget price. Bravo to
all concerned.
The work Rituals is
disappointing after the Violin Concerto, yet
it stands in its own right. The lyricism that
seems to lie at the heart of Zwilich underpins
all, even the arresting opening chords. There
is indeed a heavily ritualistic feel to the
first movement ('Invocation').
excerpt The second movement ('Ambulation')
is more playful and very woodwind-dominated.
It is only here that the solo percussion comes
into its own. There appears to be a Bernstein
debt at times (around 2'30ff), excerpt
coupled with Coplandesque unisons.
The best movement is the
third ('Remembrances'), all desolation (great
cor anglais solo), an experience guaranteed
to bring the listener spell-bound into Zwilich's
world. The finale begins hesitantly. The hard
percussion sounds impel the rhythms into motion.
excerpt There
are glittering moments (around 2'35). This
is very exciting and there is no doubt of
the superb performance. The talent of the
group NEXUS shines through.
Recommended, especially for
the Violin Concerto.
Colin Clarke
Gwyn Parry-Jones
see also article
by Len Mullenger
aPamela Frank (violin); 