Seattle-born composer
Daniel Asia has been a consistent and prolific contributor to most of the traditional art music genres. While listeners are more likely to be familiar with his many symphonic works (he was composer-in-residence for the
Phoenix Symphony for three years), his chamber music output is equally refined and deserving of attention. This album features his Violin Sonata and Piano Trio. The violin sonata, performed by violinist
Curtis Macomber and pianist
Christopher Oldfather, is a grand arch-form in the style of
Bartók interspersed with short, "enigmatic" movements reminiscent of
Christopher Rouse.
Asia's writing is quite accessible to listeners, filled with interesting rhythmic nuance and harmonic intrigue. The Piano Trio, performed by violinist
Frantisek Soucek, cellist
Vladimír Fortin, and pianist
Richard Ormrod, is equally engaging for listeners. Written as a memorial piece,
Asia focuses much more on life and vitality than brooding. In both pieces, the performances are technically quite pristine. Intonation is virtually flawless, articulation is well-matched throughout, and balance is lucid. What's lacking at times is a true and convincing sense of emotional commitment to the music being performed.
Macomber's playing in the Violin Sonata, in particular, is quite bland and unenthusiastic despite its high technical merits. The Piano Trio is also uninspiring musically. Even in the introspective depths of the second movement, the performers seem to do little apart from reading through the notes.