Sharon Ruchman’s new album From the Heart does exactly what its title promises, as it communicates feeling first, without theatrics or excess, relying on the natural conversation between violin and piano to carry emotional weight. It’s her sixth album overall, but her first devoted solely to violin–piano duets, created in collaboration with violinist Artemis Simerson, known for his supple, sensitive, and confidently unflashy playing.
The opening track, “From the Heart,” opens with violin lines that come tactile, warm, gently curved, and tender in phrasing. There’s no rush here. The piano stays close, offering soft harmonic beds rather than sharp punctuation. It feels intimate, like sitting near two musicians playing in late afternoon light rather than in front of a concert hall stage.
The mood shifts dramatically by “Hungarian Dance in F Minor.” Here the violin turns fiery and quick, bending and flicking through scales with bright edge and urgency. The piano becomes nimble, keeping pace without competing. The sound of music will seep into your unconsciousness as your foot subconsciously taps and your shoulders lean forward. The music is in motion, and you’re in motion with it. In spite of he exhilaration, the emotional core stays intact.
The closing movement of “Sonata for Viola and Piano No. 1 in G Minor” is more coming as a reflective piece. The melody feels like an inward turn after the album’s travels. It’s clear, measured, almost like speaking aloud a truth you’ve been circling for a while. The piano glints softly beneath, steady but never static.
From the Heart is more honest than that. It invites you to listen closely, and rewards you when you do.
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Review by: Naomi Joan