Orion Weiss - Arc II

This album strives to understand the varying ways composers comprehend grief, loss and death. How did they cope, their hearts broken, their peace gone? And how can we cope? In this combination of works Weiss has tried to follow the paths these great composers walked in their own grief. Their tracks lead us from death back towards life, from horror to hope.

Of his Arc album series, Orion Weiss explains: 'The arc of this recital trilogy is inverted, like a rainbow's reflection in water. Arc I's first steps here head downhill, beginning from hope and proceeding down to despair. The bottom of the journey, Arc II, is Earth's centre, grief, loss, the lowest we can reach. The return trip, Arc III, is one of excitement and renewal, filled with the joy of rebirth and the anticipation of a better future.'

Weiss is a nimble guide to music full of momentum, life and detail. [�] Where Weiss breathed serenity with Ravel [Le Tombeau de Couperin], there is a loneliness in Shostakovich's sparse textures [Piano Sonata] [�] the sense of meandering memories is beautifully done � BBC Music Magazine (Performance 4 STARS; Recording 4 STARS)

As with 'Arc I' (6/22), 'Arc II' showcases Orion Weiss's imaginative programme-building and intelligent artistry [�] All told, a fine release, especially for Weiss's reference-worthy Shostakovich Sonata. � Gramophone

this is a nicely balanced performance with a luminous touch - MusicWeb International