Peter Scott Lewis: Atlantic Crossing; Rhapsodic Images

"For me, this is the contemporary discovery of 2004." Julian Haylock, The Strad (Complete Review Below)

Atlantic Crossing is Peter Scott Lewis' 2002 violin and piano version of his 1996 Violin Concerto, originally premiered in Rotterdam by the violinist on this recording, Kees Huelsmann. Cast in four movements, with an extended Lisztian introduction, it's a work who myriad stylistic points of reference are negotiated here with chameleon-like ease. Late Delian chromaticism colours the more reflective passages of the first movement (An Awakening/Bright Morning!), while the dramatic opening of the finale (Arrival) initially pays homage to Stravinsky's Violin Concerto, yet continues with music of a tonally free, dancing, Bergian intensity. Huelsmann plays with a Ferras-like jewelled accuracy, employing an extraordinary range of bow pressure, speed, and articulation. This is big-personality playing of exquisite subtlety, which ensures that the music's post-Romantic gesturing emerges as a compelling narrative. Stunning pianism, too, from Matthew Edwards, is ideally complemented by a high-impact yet atmospheric recording.

Rhapsodic Images was (unusually) a three-way commission from the Bakken, Raphael and Robert Schumann trios. Completed in July of 1998 and scored for traditional piano trio, it is cast in two movements, the first of which is an extended (18-minute) rhapsody which fluctuates hauntingly between soaring lyricism and rhythmic potency. The four-and-a-half minute Epilogue which rounds out the piece is a separate coda that reflects upon the music heard in the previous movement with heart-warming affection. Amy Hiraga and Peter Wyrick, currently members of the San Francisco Symphony, and pianist Marc Shapiro sound intoxicated by the kaleidoscopic iridescence and sheer verve, effortlessly carrying the listener along with them. For me, this is the contemporary discovery of 2004. Julian Haylock, The Strad, London, England: December, 2004