The Whole Note<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Editor’s Corner – July 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Written by David Olds<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most ambitious is cellist Matt Haimovitz<\/strong>\u2019s PRIMAVERA PROJECT, the first volume of which is now available: PRIMAVERA I: the wind<\/a> (PentaTone Oxingale Series PTC 5186286 theprimaveraproject.com)<\/strong>. THE PRIMAVERA PROJECT was inspired by the \u201cmulti-layered musicality\u201d of German-American artist Charline von Heyl, her \u201cwhimsical imagination intertwined with literary and historical references,\u201d and by Sandro Botticelli\u2019s famous painting Primavera<\/em>. The project\u2019s co-founders, Haimovitz and Dr. Jeffrianne Young, asked von Heyl if she would ever consider reimagining the Botticelli painting for the 21st century, and discussion about the idea of commissioning new cello works inspired by the artwork began. Less than two months later, days before the pandemic lockdown, von Heyl had completed her Primavera 2020<\/em>. Haimovitz says \u201cThe musical commissions of THE PRIMAVERA PROJECT celebrate our golden age of musical diversity and richness. Each new piece \u2013 like the blossoming flowers, figures, and symbols of von Heyl\u2019s and Botticelli\u2019s Primaveras<\/em> \u2013 has been a ray of light, offering us hope for renewal of the human spirit.\u201d There are 81 commissioned works, all based on the paintings, and this first volume includes 14 of these. With influences from the world of jazz and Latin music, Vivaldi and Scriabin, the music runs the gamut of contemporary styles. Highlights for me include inti figgis-vizueta\u2019s the motion between three worlds<\/em>, a rhythmic piece reflecting the composer\u2019s Andean and Irish roots, Vijay Iyer\u2019s reflective Equal night<\/em> which includes an occasional nod to Bach\u2019s iconic cello suites, the dramatic by Roberto Sierra and Lisa Bielawa\u2019s otherworldly Missa Primavera<\/em>; but all of the tracks have something to recommend them. Haimovitz is in top form no matter how many challenges the music throws at him. PRIMAVERA II<\/a><\/em> is scheduled to be released this fall. For more details about the project and upcoming in-person and virtual performances visit the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more on The Whole Note<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"