
The group’s center is pianist Catherine Wilson. Repeatedly honored for her exceptional artistry and sensitive musicality, virtuoso pianist she is one of this generation’s most interesting and innovative classical instrumentalists. She has won the hearts of fans and critics alike with inspired, soulful interpretations. Her renditions of Chopin (described as “exquisite” by the Toronto Star) have been compared to the great Arthur Rubinstein. Ms. Wilson made her triumphant debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2005 at the invitation of Maestro Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops where she performed the Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto.
Ensemble Vivant is dedicated to celebrating excellence in the performance and recording of great music, Catherine and the Ensemble are excited and proud to be able to introduce innovative artists and beautifully crafted music programs.
Notes on the music
Chamber Suite features the rarely recorded Sextet in D major for Piano and Strings, Op. 110 by Felix Mendelssohn as well as Max Bruch’s Trio in C minor, Op. 5. It also includes the world premiere recordings of Srul Irving Glick’s The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite for Piano and Strings. When the late Srul Irving Glick spoke with leader Catherine Wilson about writing a work for the Ensemble Vivant. Catherine suggested a quintet for piano, violin, viola, cello and double bass. Of the piece, Glick wrote “this work is based on klezmer style in a chamber music idiom. I wanted to express my deep love for the city of Toronto. I wrote this quintet for pianist Catherine Wilson and her Friends, performing the violin, viola, cello and double bass. Each movement reflects reminiscences of some aspect of my growing up in Toronto.”
Track Listing:
Chamber Suite
1. Sextet for violin, 2 violas, cello, double bass & piano in D major, Op. 110 by Mendelssohn, Felix
2. Sextet for violin, 2 violas, cello, double bass & piano in D major, Op. 110 by Mendelssohn, Felix
3. Sextet for violin, 2 violas, cello, double bass & piano in D major, Op. 110 by Mendelssohn, Felix
4. Sextet for violin, 2 violas, cello, double bass & piano in D major, Op. 110 by Mendelssohn, Felix
5. The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite quintet for piano and strings by Glick, Srul Irving
6. The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite quintet for piano and strings by Glick, Srul Irving
7. The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite quintet for piano and strings by Glick, Srul Irving
8. The Old Toronto Klezmer Suite quintet for piano and strings by Glick, Srul Irving
9. Trio for piano & strings, in C minor, Op. 5 by Bruch, Max
10. Trio for piano & strings, in C minor, Op. 5 by Bruch, Max
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Ensemble Vivant Chamber Suite
Three lesser known chamber works beautifully performed