Review of „Quantum of Silence”

Bravo! First-class playing and a wonderfully varied solo viola album!
 

Rating of „ReVIOLAtion” in Diapason Magazine (France)

   

Review CD rating: 5 Diapasons
Apr 1. 2021
Source: Diapason Magazine (France), Issue nr 699

„ReVIOLAtion” review -  American Record Guide

"…Fine, and the sound is excellent. I look forward to hearing more from Mr Komendarek-Tymendorf."

© 2021 American Record Guide
Read complete review on American Record Guide

March, 2021
Michelle Thomson
Source: American Record Guide

Review of „ReVIOLAtion” in Radio Signals

"Ostensibly, classical music is a relic, a thing of the past, associated more with the late 19th century and the Parisian parlors than with the present. Nothing can be further from the truth. Classical music is still alive and well, and its performers keep winning prestigious awards.
ReVIOLAtion is a debut album by a young violist Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf. Albeit his first one, the record has already gained recognition from reviewers of the serious classical music media Pizzicato in Luxembourg on receiving the Supersonic Award for Outstanding Album. The title itself is not accidental and can be interpreted in two ways. It is close to the word revolution, i.e. revolution in the reading of musical works, in the way they are played, but it can also be derived from the word revelation, i.e. something astonishing and new, especially in the interpretation of classical works. The viola, i.e. Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf’s instrument, is also intricately woven into the title.
Despite his young age, Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf is undeniably a mature artist, who fully deserves to be called a virtuoso. From the very first note in his Viola Sonata: I. Largamente, the musician demonstrates his excellent technique and incredible ease with which he plays works that actually pose many technical difficulties. Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf plays with the air of refinement characteristic of a classical musician. The grace and elegance do not falter even when he performs the most difficult passages. His interpretation of sonatas by Fyodor Druzhinin and Mieczysław Weinberg combines respect for tradition with a touch of modernity, although it is noticeable that the artist was trying to avoid excessive modernization in his renditions. The album also contains a Polish accent. The musician presents Grażyna Bacewicz’s Polish Capriccio, which was transcribed for the viola by Jerzy Kosmala, thus proving that this unpopular string instrument has extraordinary potential.
In each of the pieces everything – the dynamics, articulation, agogics, and harmony of double stops – is in its right place. As Professor Piotr Reichert noted, the timbre of highest tones played by the artist resemble that of a violin, whereas the low ones resound like a cello’s, which only goes to show how much Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf is able to extract from his instrument and how versatile the viola can be. Light yet piercing, the sonatas urge those who listen to venture an interpretation without getting bored. The violist’s album allows its listener to indulge in immeasurable tranquility and let their mind wander unrestrainedly. The fact that music has no lyrics is just an advantage, as it will forever remain timeless and accessible, irrespective of any language barriers.
The title of the album, which can also be translated as “viola revolution,” seems to be a perfect choice and Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf proves the viola to be not a mere addition to a string quintet, but also an instrument which can perfectly cope solo."

March 13, 2021
Julia Borkowska
Translation: Dominika Pieczka
Source: Radio Signals, http://www.radiosygnaly.pl/reviolation-krzysztofa-komendarka-tymendorfa/

"Viola Coming Out. So it is not easy music, but what comes out of the speakers hits the spot."
„ReVIOLAtion” review - Gazeta Wyborcza

"Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf is a rising star of Polish viola music. There is not even an ounce of exaggeration in this description. To justify it though, it is enough to reach for his debut album ReVIOLAtion, released by a phonographic label – Naxos Records. The album brings works for viola solo by contemporary composers: Druzhinin, Weinberg, Vieuxtemps and Grażyna Bacewicz. So it is not easy music, but what comes out of the speakers hits the spot.
At first, I had some serious reservations about this record. After all, the viola is no “queen of all instruments” and works composed for it fail to enter the canon. Besides, this particular soloist still has – as I wrongly thought to myself – a long way to go before he reaches the level of performance that would in any way correspond to Professor Piotr Reichert’s claim that “what distinguishes an excellent viola player is their dexterity and the depth of tone they draw from the cello.” It turned out that my concerns were unfounded. Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf is a magnificent instrumentalist, with a rare sense of music and extraordinary level of virtuosity.
In the beginning the title of the album, i.e. ReVIOLAtion, also seemed to me a bit contrived and pretentious. And again, unnecessarily. The play on words is supposed to suggest a “viola revolution,” and the recording is indeed just that. Not only does Komendarek-Tymendorf interpret each composition in revolutionary – though at times controversial – a manner, but also the repertoire chosen by the artist provides an opportunity to showcase the underestimated sound palette and technical capabilities of the instrument. Juxtaposed together, the sonatas by Druzhinin and Weinberg not only show the musical spirit akin to that of Shostakovich, but also demonstrate the esteem in which the viola was held by both composers.
The album concludes with two short pieces by Henri Vieuxtemps and Grażyna Bacewicz. Both composed with a virtuoso in mind. However, the presentation of instrumentalist capabilities is not the performer’s main purpose. Of course, in his renditions of these pieces Komendarek-Tymendorf demonstrates his skills, but not just for their sake. He underpins them with musicality, opulent sound, and a wide range of dynamics.

Review of „ReVIOLAtion” in Polish Albums / Polish Music Portal

"Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf is a young violist whose CV is filled with many outstanding projects and accolades gained as a musician of the highest rank. ReVIOLAtion is a daring project, because – first and foremost – we are exclusively dealing with the sound of an instrument that so far has not been immensely popular in solo projects, namely the viola. On this album however  this very instrument turns not only into the carrier of music, but also the reflection of virtuosity and the whole gamut of emotions.
The artist's professionalism is unquestionable, but presenting this interesting string instrument from the purely technical perspective, showing its multidimensionality and “soul,” is not that simple. All the more so if there is a message behind it, or an inner dictate to tell a story. It is not easy as the artist chose not to resign from the classical approach to the form itself and – instead – to breathe into it the freshness that befits the contemporary musical reality. The very term “classical” may occasionally evoke associations with something that has no right to exist in our times. Admittedly, this album requires our involvement and openness, but by no means is it  detached from the universal values that are dear to every human being. Because of that, though far from being modern in any way, it forms an essential part of culture.
Thanks to his panache and imagination, Krzysztof has managed to lend all his works a distinctly contemporary feel. However, the artist always refers to such a significant oeuvre with incredible respect and delicacy. Especially since we are dealing with outstanding works (sonatas) by Fyodor Druzhinin and Mieczysław Weinberg.
What turns out to be a real treat on the record is the rendition of Capriccio “Hommage à Paganini op. 55 and an extremely important Polish accent in the form of one of the most popular violin pieces by Grażyna Bacewicz (Polish Caprice, whose viola version was transcribed by Jerzy Kosmala). Its top-class performance shows an approach to a complicated musical matter which – even if we only consider the technical perspective – contains several degrees of difficulty. Besides, presenting it in such a pure form, and at the same time finding a melodic and rhythmic consensus, must without doubt inspire admiration.
As a result the musician managed to create a space in which artistry and precision of performance perfectly combine into one whole (e.g. chords, dynamic range). At the same time he is emphasizing his own individualism in the compositions. The artist skillfully reveals his technique, paying attention to the smallest details, but what becomes more important is to create a moving vision that goes beyond any expectations. It is also worth noting the expression that does not overshadow other elements of the work's detailing (Viola Sonata: II. Vivace, Viola Sonata: IV. Maestoso. Allegro risoluto).
The eponymous ReVIOLAtion should be understood as a “viola revolution,” which in this case can also be construed as a broadening of horizons related to classical music, which thanks to such projects holds an eminent place in contemporary times. The educational aspect provides an added value to this album, although it should be noted that the chosen repertoire is not an obvious one. The promotion of such compositions is of vital importance, all the more so since we are dealing with outstanding works which, performed by Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf, will forever constitute an excellent “compendium” of knowledge. ReVIOLAtion will also inevitably deliver the best aesthetic experience, which is of paramount importance when it comes to such music."

February 12, 2021
Łukasz Dębowski
Translation: Dominika Pieczka
Source: https://polskaplyta-polskamuzyka.pl/2021/02/12/krzysztof-komendarek-tymendorf-reviolation-recenzja

„ReVIOLAtion” review -  Ruch Muzyczny

"A whole album recorded on a string instrument solo poses quite a challenge. In his virtuoso form, Komendarek differentiates long monologues with sensitivity. The instrument sounds mellow and vibrant with colour. At first you listen to it with due attention, as the musician plays brilliantly, but our vigilance easily falls prey to the sound of both sonatas by Druzhinin and Weinberg, so similar in character."

February 11, 2021
Adam Suprynowicz
Translation: Dominika Pieczka
Source: Ruch Muzyczny, Numer wydania: 3 /2021 str. 29

„ReVIOLAtion” review - Magazine Presto

„ReVIOLAtion” review - pizzicato.lu | Pizzicato Supersonic Award

ReVIOLAtion; Fyodor Druzhinin: Sonate für Viola solo; Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Sonate für Viola solo Nr. 3; Henry Vieuxtemps: Capriccio Hommage a Paganini für Viola solo op. 55; Grazyna Bacewicz: Polish Capriccio für Viola solo; Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf, Viola; 1 CD Naxos

January 4, 2021
Uwe Krusch
Translation: Dominika Pieczka
Source: https://www.pizzicato.lu/volltonende-viola/

Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-1996) *Sonata na altówkę solo nr 3 op.135 (1982)* – Muzyka Współczesna odc.75

The mastery of performance allowing to achieve this wonderful sound of the viola made me happy.
‘You have no idea how important it is to me that my music was played so beautifully by a Pole. And when I heard Grażyna Bacewicz’s beautiful caprice at the end of the album, my longing for my homeland and the beauty of the performance prompted me to lock myself in the library alone with my music and memories.’
‘Don't delude yourself, please, that my sonata is a piece for just anyone. But if you love the viola, remember this name – Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf – and closely follow every new recording he releases.’
I wanted to put away the record by this new viola genius, but Weinberg held my hand and said:
‘I can lend it to you. Listen to it, please, a few times. In solitude, that’s a must. And if you want to keep it permanently, I will be extremely happy. I have one more favor to ask of you – if we ever meet again, please call me by my Polish name. It’s Mietek...’

January 1, 2021

„ReVIOLAtion” review - MusicWeb International

„ReVIOLAtion” - Album of the Month, Turkish Viola Society

 

December 9, 2020

Source: https://turkishviolasociety.com

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"A Polish rising viola star of the new generation! Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf is a truly charismatic
and unique viola player of his generation. Fully mature as an artist, he demonstrates excellent technique
of both the right and the left hand; he has mastered uniform sound throughout the scale and can
modulate it at will thus differentiating its timbre depending on the narrative of a given piece. His
performance is characterized by great expression, musicality, very good technique, rich sound, great
range of dynamics and articulation. When played by him, music acquires softness and character through
excellent intonation, which is rhythmically perfect. He delivers his renditions consciously and gives
individual meanings to each performed piece.
To undertake the recording of solo sonatas by Fyodor Druzhinin and Mieczysław Weinberg, one must
have a very good double-stop, chord-playing technique. These works demand the highest level of
performance and the execution of these sonatas meets the very standard. Polish Capriccio by Grażyna
Bacewicz and Capriccio by Henri Vieuxtemps are short pieces in which Krzysztof Komendarek-Tymendorf presented great sense of music and rich volume of sound."

November 27, 2020
Prof. Irena Albrecht
Translation: Dominika Pieczka

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Concert of Duo del Gesù

"The first festival concert is already behind us! Duo del Gesù delivered an excellent performance which – when it comes to beautiful subtleties or luscious sound – lacked for nothing. The ensemble took us on an extraordinary journey through a repertoire that even seasoned listeners could find refreshing. A wonderful world premiere of an extremely interesting piece by Kamil Cieślik, most intriguing arrangements of Hungarian Dances, and a beautiful rendition of The King of Alders which the delighted audience had demanded as an encore. But what perhaps turned out to be especially moving were the duets by Mozart and Haydn. It felt like visiting good old friends who decided to show us a mysterious but tastefully decorated room in their home that we had never seen before since they rarely admit their guests there. It was beautiful. As evident in the photo, the audience shared their impressions vividly right after the concert."

May 28, 2019
Concert of Duo del Gesù
Iwona Loranc
Translation: Dominika Pieczka
Beskidzki Classics Festival "Cavatina Classics" in Bielsko-Biala

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41. International Viola Congres

"Performance styles were seamless, with physical movements that were uncannily symmetrical. If attimes the balance was slightly toward the impressively resonant viola, the congress’s audience of viola enthusiasts did not seem to mind."

September 11-15, 2013
In Review: the 41st International Viola Congress
Concert of Duo del Gesù
Andrew Filmer
Translation: Dominika Pieczka
Source: Journal of the American Viola Society, Vol. 2 Issue 1 December 2013