Prokofiev / Grether / Lively - Masques - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

On Parts to Play, critically acclaimed violinist Moonkyung Lee turns from the symphonic environment of the critically lauded tag debut, Tchaikovsky, on which she performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, to a more intimate setting, with only pianist Martha Locker as her partner on a selection of works that include both stunning solo performances and intricate yet simple duets. Choosing to include Prokofiev's InchSonata for Solo ViolinInch amid compositions from six contemporary composers who collectively represent three decades of works is indicative of Lee's ability to tease out the subtle nuances of every piece she performs. The three-movement suite moves from the simplicity of Moderato's Classical sonata through the more lyrically, introverted Andante Dolce to the clever finale, Con Brio. Similarly, her transit through Benjamin Ellin's composition for solo violin, InchThree States at Play,Inch is a nuanced journey through three movements, in which the more serene second movement is bookended by two outer movements that are quite rhythmically active. When performing duets with Locker, such as on Rain Worthington's InchJilted Tango,Inch Lee's violin seamlessly integrates with the piano to create an atmosphere both spirited and poignant, capturing the Inchpush and pull in a dance of loveInch implied by it's title. Another sort of dance entirely is captured on the duo's performance of the vibrant and upbeat InchGrand Tartanella.Inch Moonkyung Lee's career includes numerous accolades, awards and scholarships including the Yale Chamber Music Celebration, and an NYU/Steinhardt Doctoral Fellowship for Doctoral Studies, of which she was the first ever classical string performer recipient. Her extensive array of performances, both in Europe in the US, include collaborations with many eminent ensembles, conductors and performers.

The Cavaillé-Coll organ in the cathedral of Saint-Omer is testament to the skill and talent of it's famous constructor. The instrument's sonic aesthetics naturally combine refinement and opulence. The organ is thus an ideal medium to convey the musical and sonic transformations presented by this recording Shostakovich's string quartet movement, piano pieces by Prokofiev and Rachmaninov as well as orchestral works by Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky are all expanded by the transcriptions which bring out surprising sounds and details of the original works, creating new and unique listening experiences. Sophie Rétaux is titular organist of the Aristide Cavaillé-Coll organ of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saint-Omer (France). To promote this exceptional instrument, she began transcribing major works of the chamber music and symphonic repertoire from the post-romantic and modern periods for her instrument. Several Prizes at international organ competitions launched her concert career in France and abroad. An avid chamber musician, she performs as frequently on the piano as she does on the organ, as well as on the harpsichord and the fortepiano.

Locke / Masques - Consorts in Two Parts [COMPACT DISCS] date 09/04/2001