Véronique Mathieu’s Argot is a demonstration of her abilities as a violinist, as well as the dramatic range of her instrument. The recording embodies the definition of its title – ‘argot’, which means the language of a particular group – in two meaningful ways. First, Mathieu has selected a unique array of violin-centric works that illuminate the creative strengths of twentieth century modernist composers. Second, as a result of the album’s daring program and Mathieu’s incredible talents, listeners enjoy the opportunity to hear every nuance of the violin’s expressive vocabulary executed at the highest possible level...

Violinists, and lovers of the instrument will applaud Véronique Mathieu’s diversity on Argot. This is pretty much a showpiece on the various ways the instrument can be used, while introducing listeners to modern composers they may have not yet discovered.

Personally it wasn't really my thing - sure I appreciated how intricate and well crafted each piece was (I've dabbled with playing the instrument for a few years myself), but it's not the sort of music you can use as the accompaniment to a dinner party or to relax to. This is an album that shows off the violin as an instrument and as such demands your full attention.

The album contains 10 pieces (45 min, 34 sec) and will find a welcome home in the music library of serious classical music collectors.

7

Darren Rea