Mathieu arakawa –

Cortege

Violinist Véronique Mathieu and pianist Jasmin Arakawa present Navona Records' CORTÈGE. The name cortège, or solemn procession," covers a vast expanse of meaning - while it most often describes a funeral procession, the term also refers to a joyful wedding procession, or a group that follows a person of importance in their honor. Mathieu and Arakawa balance the solemn and the celebratory in this sensitive, dynamic performance. Exploring the works of four French composers - Claude Debussy, Lili Boulanger, Nicolas Bacri, Francis Poulenc - the album is emotional, refined, and triumphant all at the same time. The album begins with a trip back to 1917 with Claude Debussy's Sonata for violin and piano in G minor. Written when the composer was suffering from terminal cancer, a year before his death, he wrote to a friend that "this sonata will be interesting from a documentary point of view and as an example of what may be produced by a sick man in time of war." Mathieu and Arakawa handle this introspective work with technical precision and grace. The moving album finds it's title track in composer Lili Boulanger's 3 Pieces for violin and piano. The second movement, Cortège, presents the other side of the word's meaning - it depicts a victorious procession through sweeping gestures, a brisk tempo, and a bright, sunny energy. Mathieu and Arakawa pay homage to the young composer, whose life was cut short by illness, and demonstrate the triumph that can be created even in a grave situation. The Bacri Sonata breve for solo violin, op. 45 and Poulenc Sonata for violin and piano, FP 119 wrap up the album with passion and a demonstration of the duo's virtuosity and compatibility as a musical unit."

Country of Pressing	US
Artist	Mathieu Arakawa
Released	2020
Music Genre	Classical
Label	NAVONA
Condition	New
UPC	896931006057
SKU	al-896931006057

1.1 Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor~Allegro vivo
1.2 Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor~Intermède - Fantasque et Léger
1.3 Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor~Finale - Très Animé
1.4 Nocturne
1.5 Cortège
1.6 D'un Matin de Printemps
1.7 Sonata Breve for Solo Violin, Op. 45~Introduzione e Marcia
1.8 Sonata Breve for Solo Violin, Op. 45~Cantilena
1.9 Sonata Breve for Solo Violin, Op. 45~Improvvisazione Sopra un Frammento Motivico di W.A. Mozart
1.10 Sonata for Violin and Piano, FP 119~Allegro con fuoco
1.11 Sonata for Violin and Piano, FP 119~Intermezzo. Très Lent et Calme
1.12 Sonata for Violin and Piano, FP 119~Presto Tragico