“Youssefian’s sensitive pacing and utter poise bring out the refined gestures…”

Photographer: Gene Smirnov

“Youssefian’s sensitive pacing and utter poise bring out the refined gestures as well as fire of this music. Each phrase has its own character in the unbuttoned finale of the Violin Sonata in B minor, Op. 1, No. 3. Seamless register jumps and lyrical but intense double stops turn the opening movement of the Violin Sonata in C minor, Op. 1, No. 8, into a wordless vengeance aria.  The first part of the double movement Violin Sonata in E Flat, Op. 1, No. 6, is a lush Corellian theme with a touch of French frilliness. The violinist adds her rich tone and detailed phrasing at a gentle step.

Youssefian has facility as well as style to spare in the sonatas, as well as in the symphonies dans le goût italien en trio. These “trio symphonies in the Italian style” for two violins and continuo feature novel and exciting contrasts between solo, concertante, duet, and tutti. With Youssefian and the sympathetic continuo team of cellist Matt Zucker and harpsichordist Michael Sponseller joined by violinist Stephen Goist, the quartet teases out every textural and structural nuance. These works were written to allow expansion into orchestral arrangements, but this group makes that option superfluous. Clear part separation and imaginative dynamics reinforce the dramatic and at times Vivaldian cascades, for example in the finale of the Symphony in G, Op. 14, No. 6.

Softer moments resembling standard Baroque trio sonatas, like the middle movement of that symphony, benefit from the violinists’ differentiated tones and the ensemble’s unified feeling. The Symphony in G major, Op. 6, No. 1, starts with the two violins breathing as one in a bright sheen. Youssefian then emerges as soloist with a slightly darker sound and finely etched ornaments. The buttery pizzicato cello adds still another color.

There are maybe less than a dozen albums that include Guillemain’s music in the catalog. Far fewer feature his music exclusively. Yet this disc goes beyond simply filling in the record. Given Youssefian’s impressive recorded debut as well as live performances, hopefully there will be more opportunities for the violinist to share her brilliant sound and insight into lesser-known music.”