Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • SPRING 2018 • PAN PIPES 29 FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN David Korevaar, piano MSR Classics 1626 P ianist David Korevarr is an active performer and recording artist, also serving as the Peter and Helen Weil Professor of Piano at the University of Colorado, Boulder. His many critically acclaimed recordings encompass both solo and ensemble literature, ranging from the works of J.S.Bach and Beethoven to new works by contemporary composers. Here he presents a brilliant recital of twelve compositions by Chopin including Nocturnes, Mazurkas, Ballades, a barcarolle, Berceuse, and Scherzo. The works chosen present a satisfying recital program. In this recording of some of Chopin's most loved works, Korevaar writes his own program notes, explaining that he chose an interesting and particular order for this recital which is intended to demonstrate the composer's remarkable sense of the color of different keys. Korevaar skillfully brings to life the elegance, beauty, and emotion associated with the music of Chopin. His always sensitive use of dynamics combined with a clear understanding of the many moods and styles of Chopin's music is in each of these twelve tracks presented with the utmost clarity and emotion. This recording is exceptional both for its particular selection of pieces and also because it is always a pleasure to listen to David Korevaar. — Kim McCormick REVIEWS SUSAN KANDER: HERMESTANZE, SOLO SONATA, A GARDEN'S TIME PIECE Jacob Ashworth, violin/viola Lee Dionne, piano Jessica Petrus, soprano MSR Classics 1578 U pon listening to this disc one will certainly be immediately captivated by the unique compositions of composer Susan Kander, as well as the elegant interpretations of violinist Jacob Ashworth. Composer Susan Kander's compositions have been performed in major cities world-wide, and she has been the recipient of numerous commissions from notable ensembles. Each work on this disc is composed using the violin. The first, Hermestanze, is unusual in the sense that it is a violin cycle. Inspired by the story of the Greek god, Hermes, it is thirty minutes and consists of fourteen short movements. Throughout the listener remains engaged by the character of each movement, conveyed through the use of a myriad of tone colors from violinist and piano. Both violinist Jacob Ashworth and pianist Lee Dionne deliver a thoroughly engaging performance of this demanding work. The second selection is a three movement Solo Sonata for violin alternating with viola in the middle movement. Each movement in this dramatic work is unified by a five note idea. Jacob Ashworth again presents an eloquent, expressive performance of this technically demanding work. The final work on the disc, A Garden's Time Piece is a Song Cycle for soprano and violin. Poetry is by the artist-poet Leslie Laskey and was commissioned to celebrate his ninetieth birthday. The entire cycle is about thirteen minutes, with each of the eight songs about two minutes or less. Soprano Jessica Petrus and violinist Jacob Ashworth complement one another and are successful in conveying the emotional complexity of each poem. 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. HEAVEN AND EARTH: A DUKE ELLINGTON SONGBOOK Danielle Talamantes, soprano Henry Dehlinger, piano MSR Classics 1617 K nown as one of the foremost composers of American art songs, Duke Ellington (1899-1974) wrote over 1000 compositions spanning a career of more than 50 years. The listener will enjoy the selections presented here which include some of his best known tunes along with some lesser known works, including four sacred songs. All arrangements were written specifically for the duo of Talamantes/Dehlinger. They include those by Larry Ham, Caren Levine, and Marvin Mills, as well as several by pianist Dehlinger himself. The interaction between the two artists is comfortable, conveying Ellington's wide range of emotions, all making the listener feel as though they are included in an intimate setting along with the artists. Soprano Danielle Talamantes is equally comfortable in a variety of musical settings, including opera, oratorio, and as a solo recitalist, as in this setting. She is the winner of several prestigious prizes. Her voice is supple and powerful, and her rendition of these Ellington songs is brilliant. She is joined by the sophisticated piano performance of Henry Dehlinger. Equally comfortable as piano soloist or as collaborative pianist, this disc proves him to also be a gifted arranger. Together the duo gives a stunning performance capturing the brilliance of these Duke Ellington songs. The recording quality is excellent, and listeners will likely want to spend time playing it over and over again. They will also appreciate the extensive liner notes which are included. — Kim McCormick

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