PDF file - Nathan Brock, Conductor

hands, was evidently the last major championof the baritone violin and it is thanksto Jacques Dupriez that the instrument hascome to light again in modern times.A highlight of mylistening this pastmonth has been anebullient two pianorecording by localartists Attila Fias(www.attilafiascom)and John KameelFarah (www.johnfarrah.com).Pieces of the Earth (AFJKF-01)was recorded at the Music Gallery last yearand intersperses four formal compositionsby each composer with brief, often playfulimprovised interludes. The disc opens in fullminimalist fashion with a lively piece entitledFluttering by Fias. This motoric rompsets the pace for the bulk of this presentation,but there are moments of contemplationsuch as Farah’s My Parents’ Garden with itsquiet jazzy treatment of some Messiaen-likeharmonies, and of foreboding in Warningand Plumes, two works that consider thedevastation that oil spills wreak on ouroceans. These two accomplished artists havebeen collaborating for a number of yearsand it shows, especially in the spontaneousimprovised bridges between the composedworks. With technical abilities to spare, Fiasand Farah delight us with virtuosic panacheand thoughtful musicality.Editor’s Corner continues at www.thewholenote.com with a preview of WitoldLutosławski’s centenary, on a disc featuringLouie Lortie, and a glimpse of the eccentricBird Concerto with Piano Song byJonathan Harvey.We welcome your feedback and invite submissions.CDs and comments should be sentto: The WholeNote, 503–720 Bathurst St.,Toronto ON M5S 2R4. We also encourageyou to visit our website www.thewholenote.com where you can find added featuresincluding direct links to performers, composersand record labels, “buy buttons” foron-line shopping and additional, expandedand archival reviews.—David Olds, DISCoveries Editordiscoveries@thewholenote.comVOCALMahler – Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen;KindertotenliederJulie Boulianne; Ensemble Orford;Jean-Francois RivestATMA ACD2 2665The emerging Canadian mezzo-sopranoJulie Boulianne makes her debut solo recordingon the ATMA label with an exquisitelysung pair of orchestral song cyclesby Gustav Mahler, in relatively unfamiliarchamber versions,along with fivelieder by Mahler’swife/muse and notoriousViennesefemme-fatale AlmaSchindler-Mahler-Gropius-Werfel.The arrangementof the first of the song cycles, the formativeLieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of aWayfarer, 1884–5), was prepared by ArnoldSchoenberg in 1920 for his short-livedconcert series, the ultra-exclusive Societyfor Private Musical Performances. Thoughthe glowing canvas of the symphonic originalhas been reduced to a monochromeensemble of ten instruments (including therarely-heard harmonium, uncharacteristicallyperfectly in tune and unobtrusive in thisrecording) the integrity of the compositionstill shines through. The same can be saidfor conductor Reinbert de Leeuw’s masterfulreduction for Amsterdam’s SchoenbergEnsemble of the Kindertotenlieder cycle(1901–4), Mahler’s settings of the elegiespoet Friedrich Rückert wrote commemoratingthe tragic deaths of his two children.Boulianne’s voice, precise and well balancedwith a voluptuous lower register,is ideally suited for this repertoire. Jean-François Rivest conducts a well-balancedthough emotionally reticent ensemble. Thealbum closes with five very attractive songsThe World’s FinestClassical and Jazz MusicDestinationEach CD only $ 14.98Andreas SchollBach CantatasScholl’s countertenorresounds in thiscrystalline clearrecording.•J.S. Bach’s beatificCantatas Nos. 82 & 169Renée FlemingPoèmesSensual, French music,beautifully sung.•Ravel’s ravishingShéhérazade•Messiaen’s masterpiecePoèmes pour Mi•Dutilleux’s dramaticLe Temps l’horloge• 70 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, M5R 1B9(416) 922-6477• Town Square, 210 Lakeshore Road E.,Oakville, L6J 1H8 (905) 338-2360Live or work within 2 miles ofour Yorkville location?FREE DELIVERY on any $50+ order.March 1 – April 7, 2012thewholenote.com 71