SOLO

Isabelle Faust’s latest release, “Solo,” showcases her exceptional artistry on the violin, offering a captivating exploration of Baroque works by a diverse range of composers. Published by Harmonia Mundi, this album is a delightful follow-up to Faust’s memorable recording of Bach’s solo violin works. 

The journey begins with the music of Nicola Matteis, both father and son, Italian virtuosos whose influence reached the shores of England. Faust’s interpretation of Matteis Senior’s Ayres exudes a sense of improvisatory freedom, highlighting the lyrical and virtuosic nature of the pieces. Matteis Junior’s Fantasia, a virtuosic composition, takes flight under Faust’s bow, her reading marked by breathtaking lightness in navigating its impulsive arpeggios. 

A notable inclusion is Pisendel’s A minor Sonata, a tour de force that may have left its mark on Bach. Faust’s performance is poised and effortless, navigating the work’s technical challenges with grace. Her use of minimal vibrato results in a clean, silvery sound that enhances the overall clarity of the piece. 

The album introduces lesser-known composers like the Frenchman Louis-Gabriel Guillemain and the Austrian Johann Joseph Vilsmayr. Faust’s interpretation of Guillemain’s Amusements reflects a courtly French idiom with grace and refinement. In contrast, her rendition of Vilsmayr’s G minor Partita showcases balletic agility, demonstrating Faust’s versatility. 

Closing the program is Heinrich Biber’s famous ‘Guardian Angel’ Passacaglia from the Rosary Sonatas. Faust’s performance of this monumental piece is eloquent, revealing a remarkable range of colors and sonorities drawn from her 1658 violin by Jacobus Stainer. 

Isabelle Faust’s “Solo” is a testament to her exceptional musicianship and ability to connect the works of various Baroque composers. With a keen sense of style, technical prowess, and a nuanced understanding of each piece’s character, Faust has crafted an album that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This recording adds another gem to Faust’s discography, solidifying her reputation as a leading interpreter of Baroque music on the violin.