Viktoria Mullova

Viktoria Mullova's rural origins in Ukraine are reflected in the eclectic programme that comprises The Peasant Girl project. Elements of classical music and jazz reflect the phenomenal influence that the gypsies have had on swathes of music in the 20th century. This DVD contains the recording sessions at London's Abbey Road studios, plus a documentary on the making of the remarkable album, with extensive interviews with Viktoria, Matthew Barley and his ensemble.

HAIKU REVIEW: If anything proves that classical music is moving in entirely new directions in 2011, this concept album from edgy fiddle player Viktoria Mullova, edgy cellist Matthew Barley and edgy friends seize the listener from the first insane attack of Viktoria's violin screeching down inflicting pain on her e-string.

The music of “Yura” begins ever so gently. A series of subtly changing piano chords punctuates a violin line that develops into a folk-tune. The track lasts a mere five minutes and expires with the same stillness as it began. You don’t need to know how or why it was written to be touched by its beauty, but if you know anything about Matthew Barley or Viktoria Mullova you may be puzzled by the way two such apparently different musicians have found so much to say in such simple material.

Viktoria Mullova helps blur musical boundaries