On this recording viola virtuoso Barbara Westphal and pianist Christian Ruvolo perform viola transcriptions of Brahms's great sonatas for violin and for cello. In addition, Westphal and Ruvolo give the world premiere recording of Andrea Clearfield's “Convergence”, a sparkling new composition written for the duo. Ms. Clearfield composes for forces small and large, including 10 cantatas, one of them written for the Philadelphia Orchestra. She is currently writing an opera on the life of the Tibetan yogi, Milarepa.
Reviews:
“A crisp, state-of-the-art recording that has everything classical music lovers desire.” - SCENE
“The music has many textures, ranging from spiky to rhythmic to lyrical and expressive; and the performers held my interest. I suspect violists and others as well should be searching out this very fine release.” - American Record Guide
“Ms. Clearfield’s awareness of and inventiveness for timbral mixing and the facility with which she balances structural and rhythmic shapes are always evident, as is her ability to realize the potentials of motivic continuity. Along the way she often and almost effortlessly shape-shifts between aggressive-rough and lyrical-smooth gestures, at times suddenly, at other times gradually.” - Journal of the iawm
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Reviews:
Scene Magazine:
"But the real treat here is the world premiere recording of Andrea Clearfield’s work Convergence, a challenging, occasionally unsettling exposition in which the seasoned instrumental work of Westphal and Ruvolo achieve a rare and unique synthesis of
expression. An unimpeachable marriage of style and substance."
Buffalo.com/Gusto
Johannes Brahms:
Sonata in G Major, op. 78
Sonata in E Minor, op. 38
Andrea Clearfield:
Convergence for viola and piano
Barbara Westphal, viola; Christian Ruvolo, piano
BRIDGE 9442