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Ashmont Music is a small independent record label and distributor specializing in viola repertoire.

Here you will find information about recordings currently available from us and be able to order them. For more information, please contact us at info@ashmontmusic.com.

CDs and Vinyl Recordings

After study and comparison of facsimiles of the Anna Magdalena Bach, the Kellner and two later eighteenth century manuscripts, as well as the first published edition of these suites, American violist Patricia McCarty has devised bowings to convey much of the intent of the early manuscripts within the context of the modern viola and bow. All repeats are performed, many with ornamentation, for which critics internationally have praised Ms. McCarty's performance of other Baroque repertoire for its "embroidery and poetry." Suite VI is performed in the original key of D major rather than the often done transcription to G. All suites are performed in the natural acoustic of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, New York.

Excerpts from reviews:

Strad Selection Recital disc, November 2000
"McCarty captures unerringly the various dance styles and the different tonalities; even the E flat Suite, notoriously difficult to bring off, shines triumphantly through all those flats thanks to her unfailing intonation. The whole performance of the D major Suite is a tour de force ... excellent venue producing sound of the in-the-room-with-you kind."

"McCarty sculpts Bach's forms - those incredible conceptions in which melodic idea is inseparable from architectonics - with the fine, blue-flamed torch of her mind ... If I were to compare McCarty's readings of the cello suites to one recording of the Bach sonatas and partitas for solo violin, I would point to the refinement and aplomb of Arthur Grumiaux."

"McCarty's versions are beautifully played and recorded."

"In McCarty's hands these pieces sound as if they were written for the viola."

"... fluently appealing, presented boldly and daringly as a viola piece in its own right ... It is not often that a disc can be highly recommended across a wide pedagogical audience, but this one can: fans of the Suites, excepting the most hardcore purists, will find this an illuminating reading, while newcomers who find the cello too darkly brooding may be able to relate much better to this rendition."

"In a market of so many recordings of these works by Bach, this performance on viola stands out above the rest"

Price: $19
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Telemann - Twelve Fantasias
(originally for violin) performed on viola
Ashmont 9306

Patricia McCarty, viola

"Using a modern set-up, she plays in a historically aware way, with sparing use of vibrato and ideal clarity of articulation...the recording is warm and welcoming."

"...she just dances through these little gems--what McCarty describes in her notes as 'clever little puzzles of both composition and execution'--not only as if she owns them, but leaving no doubt that she really loves playing them!

It's hard to believe that any listener wouldn't be perfectly happy to hear these delightful pieces resounding in the uniquely ruch, warm, vibrant viola timbre and register, especially as realized in McCarty's full-bodied expressive style. There's really nothing to fault here--it's simply great music-making complemented by ideal sound. A terrific disc!"

"McCarty's interpretations are graceful, tuneful and fun...fresh, attractive and smoothly executed"

Price: $12
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Schubert - "Arpeggione" Sonata, D 821
Beethoven - Romances, Op. 40 & Op. 50
Notturno, Op. 42
Ashmont 7102

Patricia McCarty, viola
Martin Amlin, piano

“Patricia McCarty's warmly dark viola tone and smoothly accurate playing seem just right for this lovely music [Arpeggione Sonata], and…the piano, when played with the sensitivity and accuracy displayed by Martin Amlin, remains not only the original but the best collaborating instrument. These artists demonstrate that the Beethoven Romances for Violin and Orchestra can sound very fine when lovingly played by viola and piano. Finally, they make an excellent divertissement from a rarely heard Notturno that turns out to be an expert transcription of Beethoven's Serenade in D for String Trio, op. 8.”

“Patricia McCarty is as superb an exponent of the violin's dark sister as we have today…I can recommend her new Schubert performance for its accuracy of intonation, clarity of attack, dramatic phrasing and general musicianship…splendid on its straightforward terms.”

“Patricia McCarty and her pianist partner Martin Amlin make beautiful music together in their performance of Schubert's "Arpeggione" Sonata. Today Schubert's lovely piece is performed by both cellists and violists, and McCarty's effort goes down as perhaps the warmest and sweetest sounding…her tone is gorgeous, her command of the instrument impressive, and her well-practiced interaction with Amlin a pleasure to hear. The Beethoven selections are charmers, especially the famous violin Romance in G, and McCarty makes the most of every phrase. The Notturno gives the violist lots of good tunes and opportunities for showing off…McCarty really convinces us with her range of subtle expressive tricks and turn-on-a-dime technical prowess.”

“The Schubert is especially gorgeous, but every work is played with a fine sound, great sense of style and superior musicality. Ms. McCarty has total command of her instrument, plays extremely well in tune and is always very musical…this CD should be sought by all violists.”

“Patricia McCarty plays with a fantastic warmth and fullness in her sound - without losing elegance and gracefulness. I do not always like transcriptions, but I really cannot find fault in this superb recording.”

“Silky smooth, beautiful phrasing, effortless, pitch perfect, dynamically exciting, ensemble teamwork excellent, viola sound even through entire range.”

Price: $12
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Brahms - Sonatas, Op. 120
Schumann - Märchenbilder, Op. 113
Ashmont 8604

Patricia McCarty, viola
Martin Amlin, piano

“In works that embody the traits we love in German romanticism, violist Patricia McCarty and pianist Martin Amlin give affectionate, idiomatic accounts of Brahms’ Sonatas and Schumann’s Märchenbilder. McCarty and Amlin work together in close partnership, exploring the rich harmonies and sparkling melodies in these works.”

“I am very impressed with the balance between the viola and the piano. It is rare that a pianist can play the resonant and often overpowering piano parts of these sonatas with the sensitivity and transparency that I hear in this recording...The sound is always lovely.”

“These are interpretations of great beauty and most intelligent musicality, always within the framework of a beautiful sound, fine intonation and solid technique... Very highly recommended.”

Price: $12
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Keith Jarrett - Bridge of Light
ECM New Series 1450
Bridge of Light for Viola and Orchestra
Elegy for Violin and String Orchestra
Adagio for Oboe and String Orchestra
Sonata for Violin and Piano

Patricia McCarty, viola	Keith Jarrett, piano
Michelle Makarski, violin	The Fairfield Orchestra
Marcia Butler, oboe	Thomas Crawford, conductor

"Rather than suggest new directions for 20th century music, Jarrett aims for the heart." -- STEREOPHILE

Price: $12
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A limited number of the following Vinyl LP's are available:

Charles Martin Loeffler - Songs
Northeastern LP

D'Anna Fortunato, mezzo-soprano
Patricia McCarty, viola
Virginia Eskin, piano

"The viola songs find McCarty playing with unusual finesse and exercise of imagination." -- BOSTON GLOBE

Price: $4
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