Nothing Proved – New works for viols, voice, and electronics | Kristin Norderval, Tawnie Olson, Frances White and Hildegard von Bingen [World Premiere Recordings]

PARTHENIA: OLD STORIES, NEW VOICES – The four compositions on this disc are all pieces that tell stories in one way or another. Included here are stories of the sacred: of God, his creation of light from darkness, and his sacrifice for humanity; of visions, transformations, redemption, and hope; of both faith and the impossibility of faith. There are also secular stories, like the story of a powerful woman of the sixteenth century, a woman who became Queen of England even as men in high positions tried to bring her down. This is the story of a woman who won power playing by the rules of the powerful; who was imprisoned herself and then imprisoned her own enemies; who was inwardly torn by intrigue and suspicion but needed to maintain the imperturbable demeanor of royalty. And we have a mysterious story told only in part, a fairy tale of a woman imprisoned and alone until she is liberated by the magic of nature. These stories of religion, politics, feminism, power, magic, and nature are historical or ancient (or at least have the air of antiquity). Their musical treatment is purely of our time, however, even though written for the centuries-old medium of viol consort. These are stories that resonated deeply with the three contemporary composers featured on this disc, and each has responded with music that is personal, urgent, and moving.

The viol quartet PARTHENIA brings early music into the present with repertoire ancient to freshly-commissioned, animated by a ravishing sound and a remarkable sense of ensemble. Parthenia is presented in concerts across the United States, and in its own long-running concert series in New York, a mainstay of that city’s vibrant early music scene. Noted for regular collaborations with the world’s foremost early music specialists, the quartet has been featured in prestigious festivals and series. Parthenia’s acclaimed performances range from its popular touring program, When Music & Sweet Poetry Agree, a celebration of Elizabethan poetry and music with actor Paul Hecht, to the complete viol fantasies of Henry Purcell.

Praised for a rich tone and thrilling performances, bass-baritone Dashon Burton began his professional studies at Case Western Reserve University and graduated from Oberlin. Upon graduation, he joined Cantus, a men’s vocal ensemble known for its collaborations with notable artists and ensembles.

Kristin Norderval is a composer and singer who specializes in developing new works for voice, cross-disciplinary works, and works using interactive technology. Her first full-length opera, The Trials of Patricia Isasa was commissioned by Norway’s Artxchange. The premiere performance took place at the Monument National Theater with Norderval singing one of the lead roles.

The music of Canadian composer Tawnie Olson draws inspiration from politics, spirituality, the natural world and the musicians for whom she composes. Olson has received commissions from the Canadian Art Song Project, New Music USA’s Third Practice ensemble, Canada Council for the Arts, Women’s Philharmonic, Blue Water Chamber Orchestra and Robert Baker Commissioning Fund at Yale, among others.

Frances White composes instrumental, vocal and electronic music. A 2004 Guggenheim fellow, she has received commissions, grants and fellowships from notable organizations, including the New Jersey Arts Council State, Ditson Fund, Mary Flagler Cary Trust, Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Prix Ars Electronica, ASCAP, Bang On A Can Festival, American Music Center, Fromm Foundation and Commissioning Music USA.

Valeria Vasilevski is highly regarded in the world of Voice Performance for her extensive work in film narration, museum installations and radio drama.