Rosalind Ventris | Sola: Music for Viola by Women Composers Review

by Illiam Sebitz

Rosalind Ventris is releasing her debut solo viola album featuring women composers of standing contemporary and twenth-centrury works called Sola: Music for Viola by Women Composers.  The project began during Covid-19, and Ventris started to explore solo viola works.

Ventris gravitated to a diverse set of loosely nature-inspired works, which she recorded as a group on Sola: Music for Viola by Women Composers.  This recording marks world premieres for some of the pieces, and besides getting to know Ventris as a soloist, a classical music lover will enjoy getting to know these uncommon works.

Thea Musgrave’s lyrical composition “In the Still of the Night” captures the mood and intimacy of a day’s end. Ventris projects emotions of reflection and calm, balanced with excitement and the anticipation of the coming new day. One will undoubtedly notice Ventri’s command of tone, and though she varies it to match the music’s mood, it is always warm and inviting.

On a reflective note, composer Amanda Feery provided a romantic, ethereal composition that shows strength in sustained and thoughtful musical landscapes. Those landscapes also allow us to hear the power and depth of Ventris’ phrasing and tonal colors. Her use of dynamics and bowing shapes the phrase with respect to the composer’s intent and her creative input.

Sola: Music for Viola by Women Composers focuses on women composers and expands the viola’s repertoire. I hope this is the first in a long series by Ventris and her continued search for new and meaningful material. Be sure to spend time learning about the outstanding composers and this talented violist.

Sola: Music for Viola by Women Composers

Release Date: January 27, 2023

Label: Delphian Records

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.