The United Strings of Europe is a rising group; this is the ensemble's second album, and it is gaining a reputation for virtuoso playing in original programming concepts. The "renewal" referred to in the title here indicates that all of the works have been arranged for their present forces, either by violinist Julian Azkoul (who also conducts the group) or by their composers. The idea also fits with the general mood, conveying sentiments of loss and new growth. Azkoul combines contemporary compositions with an orchestral ...
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The United Strings of Europe is a rising group; this is the ensemble's second album, and it is gaining a reputation for virtuoso playing in original programming concepts. The "renewal" referred to in the title here indicates that all of the works have been arranged for their present forces, either by violinist Julian Azkoul (who also conducts the group) or by their composers. The idea also fits with the general mood, conveying sentiments of loss and new growth. Azkoul combines contemporary compositions with an orchestral reading of the String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80, of Mendelssohn, a despairing work written after the death of the composer's sister, Fanny, and shortly before the composer's own death. Another centerpiece is the set of Three Songs for soprano and string orchestra of Osvaldo Golijov, adapted by the composer from separate earlier works as a vehicle for Dawn Upshaw. Golijov's second instinct was correct here, for the three songs, in Yiddish, Spanish, and English, have a cumulative...
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