Violinist VÃ©ronique Mathieu and pianist Jasmin Arakawa present Navona Records' CORTEGE. The name cortÃ¨ge, 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, CortÃ¨ge, 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.

Tracklist:

Violin Sonata In G Minor, L. 140: I. Allegro Vivo
Violin Sonata In G Minor, L. 140: II. Intermède
Violin Sonata In G Minor, L. 140: III. Finale
2 Pieces For Violin & Piano: No. 1, Nocturne
2 Pieces For Violin & Piano: No. 2, Cortège
D'un Matin De Printemps (Version For Violin & Piano)
Sonata Breve For Solo Violin, Op. 45: I. Introduzione E Marcia
Sonata Breve For Solo Violin, Op. 45: II. Cantilena
Sonata Breve For Solo Violin, Op. 45: III. Improvvisazione Sopra Un Frammento Motivico Di W.A. Mozart
Violin Sonata No. 4, Fp 119: I. Allegro Con Fuoco
Violin Sonata No. 4, Fp 119: II. Intermezzo
Violin Sonata No. 4, Fp 119: III. Presto Tragico

UPC: 896931006057
Label: Navona
Release Date: 8.28.20
Format: CD

Bacri / Mathieu / Arakawa - Cortege (CD)