Fancies and Interludes

Jacques Israelievitch, violin
Christina Petrowska Quilico, piano

Lyrical, jazzy, complex… 20th century works by established Canadian composers receive compelling performances in this new Centrediscs recording by a duo of two of Canada’s finest soloists. It’s a collection of contrasts – from the lyrical, contemporary classicism of Oskar Morawetz’s Duo to the quirky, minimalist jazziness of James Rolfe’s Drop; and juxtaposing primal rhythms and tonal colours of Raymond Luedeke’s monumental Fancies and Interludes VI. Gary Kulesha’s seductive and passionate …and dark time flowed by her like a river… also features complex rhythmic structures, along with virtuoso parts for both instruments.

Track List:

1. Duo for Violin & Piano
Oskar Morawetz
8:33

2. Drop
James Rolfe
9:32

3. …and dark time flowerd by her like a river…
Gary Kulesha
11:23

4. Fancies and Interludes VI
Raymond Luedeke
39:37

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster for a record-setting 20 years, Jacques Israelievitch has also appeared as soloist with many major orchestras and conductors, and performed chamber music with Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, and Yo-Yo Ma. He is violinist for the New Arts Trio. A day-long performance and subsequent recording of Mozart sonatas is part of his duo collaboration with pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico. As a conductor, he has been music director of the Koffler Chamber Orchestra since 2005. In his discographyof more than 100 albums are the first complete recording of Kreutzer’s 42 Studies, and concertos, including ones he has premiered. He is an officer of France’s Order of Arts and Letters, and holds a Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished contribution to the performing arts in Canada.

Hailed by the New York Times at 14 for her “promethean talent,” Christina Petrowska Quilico has appeared at Lincoln Center and other important NYC halls, performed as soloist with orchestras in Canada, the US, Greece and Taiwan, and premiered over 150 new works, including 18 piano concertos. CBC Music named her one of 20 international “not to miss pianists” of 2014 and one of Canada’s “Top 25 Classical Pianists” in 2015. Her CD Glass Houses Revisited was one of CBC Music’s “TOP 30 best Canadian classical recordings ever”, was on two other CBC top 10 lists, and is one of Centrediscs’ all-time best-sellers. Her discography of 36 CDs – four of them JUNO Award nominated – includes leading contemporary composers, such classical composers as Liszt, Chopin and Mozart, and Brazilian Tangos. She was also named a Friend of Canadian Music and was one of the Canadian Music Centre’s 50 Ambassadors.

Reviews:

“The programming on this CD is exquisite – the compositions flow one after another as if they were meant to be. Israelievitch and Petrowska Quilico allow the impulse, the urge to soar and expand in their playing while granting the listener a breathing space – the true embodiment of Fancies and Interludes.” – Ivana Popovic, the WholeNote

“In this CD we hear an astounding level of virtuosity. Both performers also deliver eloquent interpretations filled with individuality and rich expression. […] The music of this CD will challenge many listeners, but the performers are presented in a most favourable light. I recommend this recording to listeners who enjoy contemporary classical music. The program notes are quite thorough and the sound quality is exceptional.” – Ralitsa Tcholakova, CAML Review