For “Portrait of a Landscape: Seasons”
Full of such life, the way these tracks radiate a sense of discovery feels majestic. The cinematic quality of the atmosphere wafts over every part of the soundscape. Instrumental richness defines every nook and cranny of the pieces. Evolution goes for the meticulous, ensuring that every detail is in its right place. Lots of the work manages to pull at the heartstrings, for the delivery is elegant. “Portrait of a Landscape: SEASONS” features the exquisite charm of Stuart Ross Carlson for he crafts timeless arrangements... Read Full Review
For “Portrait of a Landscape: Seasons”
A Cinematic Tour de Force from A True Virtuoso. Stuart has managed to arrange a beautiful hour-long cinematic piece in this majestic one-hour composition. ‘Portrait of a Landscape: SEASONS’ stands out as a thoroughly impressive composition that spans the most profound and most inspired of influences: from the subtle Baroque complexity of Jonny Greenwood to the loud, resonant ostentations of Krzysztof Penderecki... Read Full Review
For “Portrait of a Landscape: Seasons”
‘Portrait of a Landscape: SEASONS’ is a fantastic mix of classical and country, orchestral and folk music, blurring the lines between more formal and rootsy worlds and again underlining that music is just music. It can, indeed should, be allowed to take whatever form it likes, regardless of ideas of genre, style, and even potential audience. Just let the music speak for itself. And this album is the perfect example of why... Read Full Review
For Stuart’s “Carols of Christmas” for String Quartet:
There’s something reminiscent of romantic string quartets by Schumann and Dvorak in these artistic arrangements of traditional Christmas carols. The arrangements, by local musician Stuart Carlson, definitely do not fit into the standard verse-chorus-repeat category of carols. Augmented by mood-setting intros and expanded by key changes and lush unexpected harmonies and countermelodies, these are great for recital pieces or for playing at church. The book includes a full score as well as all of the individual parts.
For Stuart’s Arrangement of Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue” for Solo Violin:
In this impressive transcription Carlson captures much of the sound and power of the organ and offers it to solo violin. This arrangement requires double stops, accents, jumping across strings, high left-hand work, and dramatic flourishes with the bow and with chromatic left-hand runs… The advanced student or professional will surely enjoy bringing this classic to life.
For Stuart’s Arrangement of Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue” for Solo Violin:
If you’re a big Bach fan, and a violinist who wants to challenge yourself with a unique arrangement of this organ classic, then treat yourself to this tricky transcription. Click here to read the full review.
For Stuart’s performance of his arrangement of “Amazing Grace” for solo violin and piano with recording artist/author Jade Simmons at the University of Michigan 2017 tribute concert for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:
Stuart’s stunning, gentle tone sparkled alongside Jade’s improvised embellishments to the arrangement, which Stuart had encouraged her to add. The result was the sound of two people collaborating selflessly, sharing themselves with a touched audience. “How sweet the sound,” indeed!
For Stuart’s performance of his arrangement of “Smile” for solo viola and piano with pianist Mi-Eun Kim at the University of Michigan 2019 String Showcase:
The finale performed by violist Stuart Carlson and pianist Mi-Eun Kim was especially rewarding because it was to the tune of “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin. The audience hummed along and chuckled to the tune. Ending the show with “Smile” after experiencing all the complexity of the pieces before seemed like a reward for attending. This is not to say that Carlson’s or Kim’s performance was any less nuanced or exceptional as the others. The performance of this song was just so inspiring that my inner ballerina wanted to jump up on the stage and dance.
