His instrument sings with eloquence in the opening movement of Cesar Frank’s Violin Sonata, but it is his brilliant agility in the finale that is so remarkable.
Butterfield can make his instrument dance and sing with an effortlessness which is hard to credit. (He must have a bionic left forearm.) Not only can he inhabit the range of a cello, but he can make it light and lyrical when needed. Of course, he can crank out low notes to make your sub-woofer jump for joy as well.
Craig Butterfield is nothing short of magnificent. I haven’t heard such expressive playing and virtuosic command since Gary Karr. His tone is gorgeous, his intonation rock-solid, and his phrasing expressive and flexible. He adapts to each style with comfort...
