Portraits and Elegies
A tender exploration of two distinct generations of American composers in the 20th and 21st centuries, Portraits and Elegies features captivating performances by the violinist Frank Almond and the pianist Brian Zeger.
From the haunting moods of Peter Lieberson’s Elegy to the eclectic but accessible dissonance of Russell Platt’s Autumn Music, this recording is a fascinating juxtaposition of contrasting musical vocabularies. Two alluring works by the gifted young composer Philip Lasser are also included (Vocalise and Berceuse Fantasque), along with some powerful character pieces from the esteemed Ned Rorem (selections from Day Music and Night Music). This CD is the premiere recording for both the Lieberson and Platt compositions, and also is the first commercial recording ever of the “ex-Lipinski” Stradivarius violin from 1715, a legendary instrument that only recently returned to public performance.
Well known for their exemplary work in a wide variety of genres, Almond and Zeger form a perfect musical balance to emphasize the specific characteristics and appeal of each work. Although certainly a display of both players’ outstanding musicianship and virtuosity, the CD also shows a faithful dedication to each composer, along with a decidedly lyrical and melodic feel that will reward any listener. Violinist Frank Almond holds the Charles and Marie Caestecker Concertmaster Chair at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He returned to the MSO after holding positions as Concertmaster of the Rotterdam Philharmonic with Valery Gergiev, and Guest Concertmaster of the London Philharmonic with Kurt Masur. In addition to his orchestral work he continues an active schedule of solo and chamber music performances in the US and abroad and is also the Artistic Director of the Frankly Music Series.
Pianist Brian Zeger has built a distinguished career not only as a pianist, but also as an ensemble performer par excellence, artistic administrator and educator. In addition to performing chamber music and as a soloist, he is the frequent recital partner to leading vocal artists such as Deborah Voigt and Susan Graham. He is also the Artistic Director of the Department of Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School and the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.
