IMPULSE | VIOLINIST.COM

For the Record, Op. 199: Mari Samuelsen; Jordan Bak; Elena Urioste; Tomás Cotik; Ehnes Quartet; Joo Yeon Sir; Kronos Quartet

Laurie Niles

May 26, 2022, 8:37 PM · Welcome to "For the Record," Violinist.com's weekly roundup of new releases of recordings by violinists, violists, cellists and other classical musicians. We hope it helps you keep track of your favorite artists, as well as find some new ones to add to your listening!

Impulse
Jordan Bak, viola
Ji Yung Lee, piano

"I wanted to create a work of art that not only showcases the diverse range of sounds of the viola, but the diverse compositional languages and backgrounds of amazing artists that write for the viola as well," said Jamaican-American violist Jordan Bak of his solo debut album. The album features the world premiere recording of "Tableau XII" by Tyson Gholston Davis, and a diverse roster of composers from the early 20th century to the present: Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti, Joan Tower, Rebecca Clarke, Quinn Mason, Jeffrey Mumford, and Toru Takemitsu. Five of the seven tracks are for viola alone; for Clarke and Takemitsu’s compositions Bak is joined by South Korean pianist Ji Yung Lee. BELOW: Jordan Bak performs Joan Tower’s "Wild Purple":