Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • FALL 2016 • PAN PIPES 33 REVIEWS JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: ORGAN MUSIC Barbara Harbach, organ B arbara Harbach has performed extensively as an organist and harpsichordist worldwide. As a result of her highly acclaimed performances, many new works by American composers have been written and dedicated to her. Additionally Ms. Harbach is involved in the research, editing, publishing and recording of 18 th century keyboard composers as well as works by women composers. She has a number of publications and recordings to her credit, and also serves as editor of WomenArts Quarterly Journal. She holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University, Yale University, the Musikhochschule (Frankfurt), and the Eastman School of Music (D.M.A.). She is currently the Curators' Professor of Music at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. Both organs used for this recording are by American organ builders. The Fisk Organ in the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY is used in track 1-5 and the Schlicker organ at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lyons, NY is used in tracks 6-12. Both are outstanding instruments, and the differences between venues and instruments does not affect the superb quality of the performances or record engineering. Some listeners may have a preference between the two, with the Schlicker organ being more vivid and brilliant. The recording is a well done, digitally remastered version of an earlier recording. Throughout there is a fine quality of sound which is warm and reverberant, but without losing definition or clarity in articulation. These works are well- known to every organist and to those who love Bach's organ works, and Barbara Harbach presents them here with great technical precision and inspiring musicality. Her runs are performed brilliantly with crisp, clear articulation, and her use of the full range of colors available on these two outstanding instruments is impressive. Harbach is one of the most well-known and respected performers today, and this recording is sure to please. Attractive liner notes are provided by Ms. Harbach. KAROL SZYMANOWSKI: SOLO PIANO WORKS (Z6807) Emily White, piano P olish composer Karol Szymanowski is perhaps the best known Polish composer of the early 20th century. Born to a wealthy family, he received many opportunities; among them an education at the State Conservatory in Warsaw and the opportunity to travel extensively. Both had a significant influence on his compositions, and several of these may be heard in the pieces recorded here. One can also hear in his music many of the influences present during his lifetime, including German Romanticism, Impressionism, atonality, and polytonality. Pianist Emily White has selected four of his works (op. 36, op.4, op. 29, op. 34) to present. Sonata No. 3, op. 36 (1917) reflects the influence that late German Romanticism had on Szymanowski. One can detect the influence of Scriabin, Wagner, Strauss and even the finale of Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata. In the Four Etudes, op. 4 (1900-02), late German Romanticism is quite present, but some elements of Polish folk music are also included. The third etude was often used by Paderewski and Van Cliburn as an encore. It is a particularly brilliant display of virtuosity for the pianist. Metopy op.29 (1915) is a set of three pieces and is a reflection of Szymanowski's interest in literary mythology. It was written following a visit to France and bears a resemblance to the writing of Debussy, while Maski (1915-16) is a set of three pieces and again was inspired by literary figures. Szecherezada reflects his interest in Islam and the Far East. Tantris the Buffoon was considered avant-garde for its day and includes the use of polytonality. The third piece, Don Juan's Serenade, is both sensual and virtuosic, and is dedicated to Artur Rubinstein. Pianist Emily White is an internationally recognized pianist, on the faculty at the Julliard School and a Steinway Artist. She is also a Member Laureate of Sigma Alpha Iota. Ms. White is the recipient of numerous awards, and her international career has taken her to such distinguished venues as London's Wigmore Hall, the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh, Belgium, Italy, and Eastern Europe as well as throughout North America in many prestigious venues. She has performed the music of Szymanowski extensively, and her expertise is evident throughout the disc. The liner notes provided by Ms. White are extensive and reflect her research on the composer. They provide interesting and welcome insights into this intriguing composer. The writing of Szymanowski is highly colorful, expressive, and certainly always virtuosic. Ms. White performs each piece with an impressive array of dramatic flair required for these demanding pieces. She meets every challenge through her impeccable technique and virtuosity. Those unfamiliar with Szymanowski will find it a rewarding experience in becoming familiar with his artistry through this wonderful recording. Beta Alpha initiate Kim McCormick is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of South Florida and faculty advisor for Delta Chi Chapter. She holds a DMA from the University of North Texas and is a Yamaha Artist.

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