16 Portraits
« These 16 Portraits, » writes composer Michel-Georges Brégent, « …are a logical continuation of the repertoire of the transcendental études of Liszt and Liapunov, the études of Chopin, Scriabine and the études-tableaux of Rachmaninoff. » In this first complete performance of the work, pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico wanted the listener to experience the intimacy, passion and raw emotion of the music as if reading a secret diary, with the electrifying immediacy that only a live performance can give.
« 16 Portraits is an excellent performance of some highly listenable and intriguing work. »
– Brett McCallon, Splendid
« Composer Michel-Georges Bregent aptly described these works as études romantiques. Although they make fearsome demands on the pianist, they are not etudes in the sense that they develop any particular technical skill…instead, they seem to be studies’ in the emotional or intellectual sense…Bregent’s overall style, which might be described as heavy-metal Rachmaninoff, holds one’s attention. If you have any doubts, apparently [an] eminent pianist has expressed interest in Brégent’s music. However, Christina Petrowska Quilico got there first. I don’t think she is likely to be outdone. » – Raymond Tuttle, Fanfare
« A veritable revelation! I went through these 16 portraits under the fingers of Christina Petrowska Quilico as one turns the pages of an intimate journal: with respect and with emotion. And when it was finished, one felt like beginning all over again. » – SRC: Espace Musique
« Performed here with great sensitivity by his former wife, the 16 Portraits are a welcome addition to the repertoire. While they clearly owe a debt to Rachmaninoff, Brégent was an original voice who died too young. » – Sequenza21
Visit Christina’s web site at www.petrowskaquilico.com
CD 1
1-9. Portraits, Études Romantiques pour piano
CD 2
10-16. Portraits, Études Romantiques pour piano
First Complete Performance / Recorded Live
Première execution intégrale / Enregistré en direct
PERFORMERS:
