The making of this recording was driven by many interesting factors. Composer Srul Irving Glick (1934-2002), had introduced himself to me at a concert in Toronto in 1997, and he expressed that he was “very taken by my beautiful playing and that of my group. This is a wonderful ensemble of world-class artists”, he said, “and the interesting diverse repertoire is unique and very inspiring.” He was also intrigued by our core instrumentation of piano, violin, viola, cello and bass. That fortuitous encounter lead to conversations about him composing The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite for the quintet, and my commission of this work was on a grant from Isaac Eisenbaum.
The delightful inclusion of Felix Mendelssohn’s glorious Sextet in D Major, Op. 110, was at the suggestion and urging of world-renowned bassist Joel Quarrington. I was thrilled to discover Max Bruch’s gorgeous Trio in c minor, Op. 5, which is one of those great works in the piano chamber music literature that deserves much wider recognition.
One of my quests has always been to research and introduce to audiences newly found gems that have for whatever reason become somewhat obscure.
The actual making of this recording occurred on the heels of my having endured a long, painful injury, which had precluded me playing for a full year. The pressures for this recording to be made at that time, despite my having had virtually no time to get back into pianistic shape and to learn the music, was a significant challenge. Thankfully the musical results belie the challenges faced.
Chamber Suite
$15.00
PLAY LIST
Sextet for Piano and Strings in D Major, Op. 110: Felix Mendelssohn
piano, violin, viola, viola*, cello, bass
- Allegro Vivace
- Adagio
- Minuetto and Trio
- Allegro Vivace
The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite, Quintet for Piano and Strings: Srul Irving Glick
piano, violin, viola, cello, bass
- Kensington Market
- The Roselawn Cemetery
- The United Baker’s Dairy Restaurant
- The Rabbi’s Wedding at the Palmerston Shul
Trio for Piano, Violin* and Cello* in c minor, Op. 5: Max Bruch
- Andante Molto Cantabile – Allegro Assai
- Presto
Musicians
Catherine Wilson, Piano/Artistic Director
Marie Bérard, violin
Mark Skazinetsky, violin*
Steven Dann, viola
Max Mandel*, viola
David Hetherington, cello
Jack Mendelson*, cello
Joel Quarrington, bass
