"Jarrell: Solos" is a captivating collection of solo works by the renowned composer Michael Jarrell, released in 2001. This album showcases Jarrell's mastery of composition, featuring a diverse range of instruments and styles that highlight his unique artistic vision. The album opens with "...Some Leaves II...," a piece for solo viola that demonstrates Jarrell's ability to create intricate and expressive solo works. "Offrande," a solo harp piece, is a beautiful and delicate composition that showcases the instrument's range and versatility. "Assonance" and "Assonance VII" feature solo clarinet and percussion, respectively, and offer a stark contrast to the more delicate pieces on the album. "Prismes," the final track, is a stunning solo violin piece that brings the album to a powerful and dramatic close.
The album features performances by some of the world's most talented musicians, including Christophe Desjardins on viola, Frédérique Cambreling on harp, Paul Meyer on clarinet, Florent Jodelet on percussion, and Hae-Sun Kang on violin. Their virtuosity and artistry bring Jarrell's compositions to life, making this album a standout in the contemporary classical music canon.
Michael Jarrell, born in Geneva in 1958, is known for his innovative and expressive compositions. He studied composition at the Geneva Conservatory and with Klaus Huber at the Freiburg Staatliche Hochschule für Musik. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Prix Musique de la Ville de Vienne in 2010 and the Prix de musique suisse in 2019. "Jarrell: Solos" is a testament to his skill and creativity, offering a rich and varied listening experience that is sure to captivate fans of contemporary classical music. The album was recorded at the Salle Adyar and the Espace de projection de l'IRCAM in Paris between December 2000 and February 2001, ensuring a high-quality audio experience.