Bryce Dessner, Solos Review

by Adorjan Horvát

Solos marks Bryce Dessner’s debut with Sony Classical, featuring a collection of unaccompanied instrumental works performed by a stellar cast of musicians. This album features fifteen of Dessner’s storied compositions and the extraordinary musicianship of his collaborators. Dessner pieces offers a deeply personal and introspective program that reflects his ability to craft melodies of emotional depth with technical mastery of form and harmonic textures.

Dessner’s prolific career spans multiple genres and roles, from his work with The National to his compositions for leading orchestras worldwide. His inspiration for Solos draws from his deep love for unaccompanied instrumental music, including the solo Bach lute and cello suites and Renaissance lute fantasies of John Dowland. These pieces, composed over many years, reflect his relationship with the instruments and the close collaborative bonds he has formed with the musicians who perform them.

Solos showcases Dessner’s ability to integrate various musical styles seamlessly, creating a cohesive yet diverse album. From the minimalist elegance of “Lullaby for Jacques et Brune” to the folkloric influences in “Walls,” Dessner employs innovative techniques and unexpected combinations that highlight his unique compositional voice. The album’s synthesis of classical traditions with contemporary sensibilities enhances its artistic uniqueness, making it a standout in Dessner’s repertoire and offering a gateway into the classical realm for fans of The National who may be curious to explore Dessner’s work in this genre.

Opening the album with a sense of intimacy and contrasting emotions, “Lullaby for Jacques et Brune” features the delicate touch of renowned pianist Katia Labèque. Her virtuosity and nuanced control breathe life into Dessner’s beautifully crafted melody, which balances tension and release with modern romantic and cinematic textures. Dessner takes center stage on “Francis,” where his warm nylon-strung guitar and technically precise yet emotionally expressive performance bring a thematic and flowing melody to life. Cellist Anastasia Kobekina, known for her expressive playing, delves into the complexities of “Tuusula” with a masterful interpretation that captures the emotional range and technical demands of Dessner’s 20th-century inspired composition. Labèque returns for “Song for Octave,” where her signature open textures and meticulous attention to detail bring out the intricacies of Dessner’s counterpoint writing. Percussionist Colin Currie’s technical skill and musicality shine on “Tromp Miniature,” with his precise marimba performance adding a layer of “pastel colors” to the harmonic tapestry and highlighting the dynamic nature of Dessner’s composition.

The virtuosity of the performers continues to impress throughout the album. Pekka Kuusisto brings his playful emotion and technical prowess to the “Ornament and Crime” series, his violin weaving through the energetic and rhythmically challenging compositions. Lavinia Meijer’s ethereal playing on “On a Wire” adds a shimmering quality to the album. Her performance is a textural exploration with multiple parts combining harmonically and rhythmically to create a hypnotic effect. Dessner returns to guitar for “Walls,” where his rolling right-hand arpeggio figure supports a romantic melody. His subtle use of dynamics shapes each phrase with precision and emotion, showcasing his ability to convey deep feelings through simplicity.

The album continues with a sense of beauty and mystery with a two-part composition for solo viola. Violist Nadia Sirota’s commanding and nuanced performance brings these compositions to life. “Delphica I” opens with an ominous series of pedal tones, giving each part of the multi-textural composition a strong identity and sonic clarity. The second part, “Delphica II,” continues with a lighter mood, showcasing Sirota’s versatility and Dessner’s compositional skill as layers of rhythmic figures and counter melodies intertwine. The album closes with “Song for Ainola,” featuring Kobekina’s warm and emotive cello playing. Her lyrical interpretation shapes each note into a cohesive and moving conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.

Solos reflects a rich tapestry of cultural elements, from the Renaissance-inspired “Lullaby for Jacques et Brune” to the South American influences woven into “Walls.” This ability to seamlessly weave diverse influences into a cohesive album underscores Bryce Dessner’s versatility as a composer. This approach not only enriches the listening experience, but also contributes to the classical genre by blending traditional elements with contemporary sensibilities in an enjoyable and fresh way. By incorporating a range of influences and showcasing the talents of his collaborators, Dessner takes listeners on an emotional journey. Each piece offers a distinct mood and tone, making Solos accessible to a broader audience.

The track order in Solos creates a seamless listening experience, with each piece flowing naturally into the next. The production quality is outstanding, with each track showcasing the clarity and depth of the recordings. Notable producers and engineers have contributed to the album, ensuring that the sound quality matches the high standard of the compositions and performances.

Solos reflects Bryce Dessner’s exceptional talent as a composer and the remarkable abilities of his collaborators. The album’s blend of traditional and contemporary elements, emotional depth, and technical brilliance make it a significant addition to the classical genre. That’s the short of it!

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