Joel Quarrington: double bass / Andrew Burashko: piano
Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957): Garden Scene, From "Much Ado About Nothing" Op.11, Four Pieces for Violin and Piano (1920) Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889): Elegy in D Major Henri Casadesus (1879-1947): Viola Concerto in C minor in the style of J. C. Bach, | transposed to G minor Reinhold Glière (1875-1961): Four Pieces for Contrabass and Piano, Op.32 No. 1 & 2 Mieczyslaw Weinberg (or Moishei Vainberg) (1919-1996): Sonata for Solo Contrabass. Op. 108
Wholenote Discoveries - November 2009
This astounding new album from Canada’s premiere bass player Joel Quarrington is proof positive that the rarely-heard, husky voice of the double bass is indeed capable of the expressive cantilena we normally associate with the cello. This is partially accounted for by the fact that Quarrington tunes his double bass in perfect fifths (an octave lower than the cello) rather than the customary fourths, with a consequent enhancement of the instrument’s acoustics, but it is the sheer musicality of his playing that really wins the day. He is ideally partnered here by his long-time friend and sympathizer Andrew Burashko. The album includes transcriptions of works by Korngold (the title track) and Henri Casadesus (a transposed version of his faux-classical Viola Concerto In the Style of J.C. Bach). Actual bass pieces include the celebrated Elegy in D major by the 19th century bass virtuoso Giovanni Bottesini and a slew of sugary bon-bons commissioned by Serge Koussevitsky from Reinhold Glière. Following this pleasant onslaught of bel canto salon music comes the real find, a powerful, world premiere recording of the remarkable Sonata for Solo Bass composed in 1971 by the prolific Soviet composer Mieczyslaw Weinberg. The first-class acoustics of the album were produced by Toronto jazz bassist Roberto Occhipinti. An extended podcast preview of this recording and related Quarrington interviews are available from Peter Jones’ web site at doublebasscast.com. Daniel Foley
One of Canada’s foremost musicians and a widely praised double bassist on the world stage, Joel Quarrington, presents his long-awaited album Garden Scene. Andrew Burashko is presented as an impressive accompanist, never overbearing, nor disappearing.
The cumbersome double bass is fleet-of-foot here, with none of the inherent power or depth absent. The choice of material is top notch, as is the recording quality.
Reinhold Gliere's Four Pieces for Contrabass on Piano are presented with much poise. The first has a slight air of mystery to it, rising arpeggios reaching into the upper register of the instrument with immaculate intonation. The closing Tarantella is an impressive virtuostic bit that is never really over the top. Trying to imagine the fingers covering the distance that is needed to perform this is next to impossible!
Bottesini's Elegy in D Major needs no introduction as it is the composer's most well know piece and under Quarrington's fingers is played magnificently. The Viola Concerto, arranged for double bass, is another gem.
The recording quality is very kind to Quarrington's bass made by the Brescian master Giovanni Paolo Maggini in 1630. From the very bottom of the register to the top, the tone is deep and vibrant allowing for this performers musicality to shine through. This disc is a must-have for double bass enthusiasts and for anyone looking for a little diversity in their collection.
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Price: $21.98