Voila Viola ’09 Review

On a cold evening in late February viola enthusiasts scurried into the Cleveland Music School Settlement, a massive Tudor-style mansion on Magnolia Drive.  As they relaxed in the warm glow of Glick Recital Hall, their decision to brave the blustery conditions was rewarded by the genteel sounds of music from a distant time.

The beautiful 18^th-century ballroom, complete with crystal chandelier, was the perfect setting for an evening dedicated to the music of Bach.  Four of the five pieces on the program utilized the harpsichord (no modern piano sounds tonight!) enhancing the richly mellow timbre of the viola.

As in last year’s all-Bach program, which showcased the six Solo Suites, this concert featured a series as well.  The three Gamba Sonatas were engagingly performed by Kirsten Docter (with Karel Paukert), Mark Jackobs (with Alicja Basinska) and Lembi Veskimets (with Eric Charnofsky).  Though not as well known as the Suites, these gems are lovely examples of Bach’s contrapuntal writing.  Each duo illuminated the ingeniously inter-woven melodies with buoyancy and clarity. The expressive slow movements provide ample opportunity for emoting and ornamenting, which the performers certainly took advantage of.

The only hint of “modern times” in this program was the arrangement for four violas of the famous Chaconne (from Bach’s d-minor Partita for solo violin).  Dubbed “Transformations”, it was not a verbatim transcription, but more a fleshing out of the wonderful harmonic progressions and rhythmic figures.  The melodies were equally distributed between all four parts, played by Lisa Boyko, Laura Shuster, Christiana Reader and Richard Waugh.  The group achieved a beautiful, warm blend of sound and a natural musical flow between sections, which held the audience spellbound for the duration of the 17-minute piece.

A reception, with delicious punch and cookies and lots of friendly conversation, took place during the longer-than-usual intermission.  Audience members chatted with performers in the wood-paneled hallway and foyer outside the ballroom.  But there was more music to enjoy, and people eagerly took their seats for the second half of the concert. 

Lynne Ramsey and husband Jeffrey Irvine provided an exciting grand finale with the ever-popular Brandenburg Concerto no. 6.  The soloists were supported by a full ensemble, which included Bryan Dumm, cello, Mark Atherton, bass, Anne Lockard, harpsichord, and violists Laura Shuster and Christiana Reader.  The group delivered a spirited performance and the audience responded with energetic applause. Nearly $500 were raised for OVS competition prizes, and all agreed it was an evening well spent!