Isabelle van Keulen, a renowned violinist and violist, presents a captivating album that showcases her exceptional versatility and mastery of her instruments. Released on November 2, 2018, under the Challenge Classics label, this album is a delightful blend of classical and chamber music, featuring works by Prokofiev, Walton, and Vaughan Williams.
The album opens with Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19, a piece that highlights van Keulen's virtuosic skills on the violin. The concerto is divided into three movements: the first, an Andantino, sets a gentle and introspective mood; the second, a Scherzo, is a lively and playful interlude; and the third, a Moderato, brings the concerto to a close with a sense of resolution and triumph.
Following the Prokofiev concerto, van Keulen switches to the viola for Walton's Viola Concerto. This concerto is also divided into three movements, each showcasing the rich and expressive sounds of the viola. The first movement, an Andante comodo, is a slow and lyrical piece that allows van Keulen to display her sensitive and nuanced playing. The second movement, a Vivo, con moto preciso, is a lively and rhythmic piece that showcases van Keulen's technical prowess. The third movement, an Allegro moderato, brings the concerto to a close with a sense of energy and excitement.
The album concludes with Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a beautiful and evocative piece for violin and orchestra. This piece is a perfect showcase for van Keulen's expressive and lyrical playing, as she captures the essence of the lark's song and the beauty of the natural world.
Throughout the album, van Keulen's playing is supported by the excellent playing of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Jan Willem de Vriend. The combination of van Keulen's exceptional musicianship and the orchestra's rich and nuanced playing makes this album a truly memorable listening experience. Whether you are a fan of classical music or simply looking for a beautiful and engaging album to enjoy, this album by Isabelle van Keulen is sure to delight and inspire.
