Album insights
Avi Avital reshapes our perspective on the mandolin, transcending its traditional symbols of moonlit Canal Grande and Kentucky bars. The instrument, under his expert guidance, transitions seamlessly from Dvorák and Bartók to baroque fantasies, Yiddish melodies, and Romanian dances, as if it were the most natural progression imaginable. Avital's aim is to revive the spirit of early 20th-century classical composers who, like Bartók venturing through villages to collect folk dances, discovered a wealth of traditional music forms beyond classical norms. His album, "Between Worlds," is tied together by Avital's embrace of romanticism, showcasing the mandolin's expressive capabilities to the fullest. Collaborating not only with a carefully selected chamber ensemble but also with renowned artists from other genres, such as French jazz accordionist Richard Galliano and Israeli clarinetist Giora Feidman, Avital creates a captivating musical experience that transcends boundaries.