“Világ, a Hungarian word meaning “world” or “illumination,” is an apt title choice for Miranda Cuckson’s double-CD collection of unaccompanied violin performances. In featuring pieces by composers from Hungary, Iran, Canada, Germany, and Italy, the release is global in span. It’s also illuminating, not only for its compositional diversity but for Cuckson’s extraordinary playing. In featuring violin alone, her virtuosity, dexterity, and command of intonation and phrasing are on full display, and the performances mesmerize.…
Evoking Bach’s solo violin sonatas and partitas, Bartók’s advances through chaconne, fugue, aria, and presto parts. One is instantly captivated by the authority with which Cuckson executes the “Tempo di ciaccona,” her every spellbinding gesture thoughtfully considered. During the ten-minute performance, her playing alternates between lyrical voicings and undulating folk dance figures.…
Whether pitched at a barely audible hush or delivered with an exuberant flourish, Cuckson’s playing is always compelling and never less than transfixing. Anyone who might think nearly 100 minutes of unaccompanied violin might be less than engaging will be otherwise enlightened by Világ. If anything, hearing her performing alone allows for an enhanced appreciation of her singular artistry.”
—Ron Schepper, Textura
