CD Review | Iridescence (Leaf Music, 2023)

This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en: Francais (French)

Iridescence
Frédéric Lambert, viola; Ali Kian Yazdanfar, double bass
Leaf Music, June 2023

Violist Frédéric Lambert and bassist Ali Kian Yazdanfar aimed to create an album that showcases the instruments often left “in the shadows of the violin and cello.” Iridescence thus consists of new music suited to their unique instrumentation. The opening track, “The Fisherstreet Duo,” by Evan Chambers, is in two movements. The first movement is a lament for a past teacher, while the second is a slow, nautical Irish jig. While this thematic pairing may sound unusual, the music that brings it to life perfectly mirrors the album’s unconventional timbral pairing. Both instruments start out in their higher registers in the lament, almost making reference to the violin and cello which listeners might be accustomed to hearing. In the transition to the jig, the instruments come into their own, demonstrating the breadth of timbre possible on viola and bass. Extended techniques such as col legno (using the back, wooden, part of the bow on the strings), are slowly introduced and act as the perfect segue into the next piece: Jean Françaix’s “Thème Varié” for solo double bass. Yazdanfar seizes this opportunity to show the true versatility of his instrument, making the most of its range, double stops, pizzicato, and other techniques.

A highlight of the album is undoubtedly Gareth Wood’s “Duo for Viola and Double Bass.” The first movement (“Moderato”) captures the simplistic beauty of the classical duo, demonstrating the value of this collaboration. The subsequent “Presto” movement is a burst of energy that reawakens the listener, and once again showcases the versatility of the duo: their once-long lines, turned abrupt attacks prove nothing short of invigorating.

Overall, Lambert and Yazdanfar expertly bring out the versatility and beauty of these oft-overshadowed instruments of the string section. Their skilful playing and tactful use of shape, dynamics, and extended techniques demonstrate the uniqueness of the double bass and viola. In the liner notes of the album, the duo notes that they chose the title Iridescence because of its definition; something is iridescent when it changes in colour or hue depending on the angle from which it is viewed. No word could better describe the character of this music.

This page is also available in / Cette page est également disponible en: Francais (French)