Nicholas Kenyon 

Garth Knox: Saltarello – review

Spanning the centuries from Hildegard to Saariaho, Garth Knox's new disc is a revelation, writes Nicholas Kenyon
  
  


The viola is emerging from the shadows: Garth Knox's utterly original recital combines its dusky tones in new music – by Kaija Saariaho (with electronics) and Knox himself (a flash of moody Piazzolla) – with music for the larger viola d'amore and medieval fiddle. The repertory swirls across the centuries: eloquent, pared down arrangements of Dowland and Purcell songs for viola d'amore and cello, and a complete Vivaldi concerto reduced to its bare outline rub shoulders with vigorous folk dances and a flowing transition from Hildegard of Bingen to Machaut 200 years later, all unified by Knox's clear-sighted vision and superb, earthy playing.

 

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