Pierre Bartholomée's "Soli" is a captivating journey through the realm of contemporary classical music, released in 2011 under the Aparté label. This monographic disc presents five recent works for solo instruments, each brought to life by musicians who have been long-time collaborators of Bartholomée. The album spans a total of 10 tracks, with a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
The album opens with "Oraisons," a piece for solo cello performed by Ophélie Gaillard, followed by "Zigzag," a duet for piano and percussion featuring Pierre Bartholomée and Francette Bartholomee. The subsequent tracks, "Wintry day" and "Face à face," continue to explore the depths of solo instrument performances. The latter part of the album is dedicated to "Livre d'orgue," a six-movement suite for organ, showcasing Bartholomée's mastery of the instrument and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres.
Throughout "Soli," Pierre Bartholomée demonstrates his unique compositional voice, blending elements of chamber music and keyboard works to create a cohesive and engaging collection. The album is a testament to Bartholomée's enduring influence in the world of contemporary classical music and his ability to push the boundaries of solo instrument performances. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Soli" offers a compelling exploration of the possibilities of solo instruments and the power of contemporary composition.