Violinist Miranda Cuckson and pianist Blair McMillen have already proven themselves an estimable duo for works by American Modernists such as Shapey and Martino. Their latest outing features Elliott Carter’s Duo for Violin and Piano (1973)… a rendition that juxtaposes rigor and grace, violence and gentleness… Clocking in at over thirty minutes, [the Sessions Sonata for solo violin] is a bear of a piece, demanding both virtuosity and considerable thoughtfulness from the violinist to bring it off: Cuckson has both in spades. … [Eckardt’s Styrömkarl] is vividly characterful and a real workout for the performers; one they assay handily.
– Christian Carey
Miranda Cuckson and Blair McMillen deliver a tour-de-force of modern American masterpieces for violin-piano duo and solo violin, including the world premiere release of Jason Eckardt‘s daunting Strömkarl for violin and piano – commissioned for this release.
The recording includes Elliott Carter‘s Duo for violin and piano, and Roger Sessions‘ Sonata for violin solo.
Elliott Carter: Duo for violin and piano (1973)
Roger Sessions: Sonata for solo violin (1953)
Jason Eckardt: Strömkarl
Miranda Cuckson, violin
Blair McMillen, piano
Produced by Gene Gaudette
Engineered and edited by Ryan Streber, Oktaven Audio