Charlene Farrugia - Melita - Maltese Piano Music - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Aram Il'yich Khachaturian was considered the 'mouthpiece of the entire Soviet Orient' and remains the most renowned of 20th-century Armenian composers. His unmistakable style came with an urge to invent new forms that reconciled Western practice with Eastern idiom. His 'apprentice' Fugues were revised and enriched with Recitatives that conjure the colorful voices of Khachaturian's childhood in Tbilisi. Refreshingly original, amusing and provocative, the Children's Albums belong to a tradition that reaches back to Bach, Schumann and Tchaikovsky. The Maltese pianist Charlene Farrugia studied with Dolores Amodio, and with Diana Ketler at the Royal Academy of Music in London. For several years she was mentored by Boris Petrushansky. She gained her doctorate in performance under Kenneth Hamilton with a thesis on piano repertory for the left hand. In 2018 she received Malta's International Achievement Award, and was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2020. An ambassador of EMMA (Euro Mediterranean Music Academy) for Peace, under the auspices of UNESCO, she is currently on the teaching faculty at the Music Academy, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Croatia. Album Tracks 1. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Recitative I Allegro, ma non troppo 2. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Fugue I a 4 Moderato 3. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Recitative II Moderato 4. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Fugue II a 3 Allegro giocoso 5. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Recitative III Allegro giocoso 6. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Fugue III a 4 Adagio 7. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Recitative IV Allegro vivace 8. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Fugue IV a 3 Allegro non troppo 9. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Recitative V Allegro non troppo 10. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Fugue V a 2 Allegro moderato 11. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Recitative VI Allegro poco sostenuto 12. 7 Recitatives and Fugues~Fugu

Album Tracks 1. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 2. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 3. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 4. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 5. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 6. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 7. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 8. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 9. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 10. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123 11. Mass for Soloists, Chorus & Orchestra in D Major ('Missa Solemnis'), Op. 123

SOMM Recordings is delighted to announce the of an intriguing new recording, introducing the melodious, rhythmically vibrant choral music and songs of Penelope Thwaites. Featuring 19 premiere recordings, From Five Continents celebrates a lifetime of making music around the world to showcase Thwaites' distinctive compositional signature. The album's centrepiece, a moving new Missa Brevis, is coupled with four Psalm settings, songs influenced by the sounds of Indian and African music, folk-styles from the Americas and an evocation of the vast Australian outback. From Five Continents features three outstanding singers venturing into new musical territory. Making their debuts on SOMM are Carolyn Sampson - whose brilliant soprano ranges from shimmering choral solos to guitar- accompanied folk song - and baritone William Dazeley, who vividly conjures the inherent anger of the much-set Fear no more the heat o'the sun, one of five Shakespeare settings. Enveloped by drums and saxophone, tenor James Gilchrist returns to SOMM for a stirring tribute to Nigeria's second-largest city, Kano. The composer herself provides exceptional accompaniment on piano throughout the album. Also returning to the tag is Ex Cathedra under their inspiring conductor Jeffrey Skidmore to demonstrate again a rare versatility and the most beautiful of choral sounds while reveling in the punchy, rhythmic vivacity and telling colors of Thwaites' music. Thwaites' previous on SOMM was the premiere recording of the concert version of her musical co-written with Alan Thornhill, Ride! Ride! (SOMMCD 017) which featured Keith Michell as the 18th-century religious and social reformer John Wesley. InchThe strength of Alan Thornhill's libretto and the sheer variety of Thwaites' music combine to create a compelling aural dramaInch, said Gramophone. Album Tracks 1. Psalm 24 The Earth Is the Lord's 2. Psal