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Release Date: August 28, 2020
Catalog #: NV6305
Format: Digital & Physical

Cortege

Claude Debussy composer
Lili Boulanger composer
Nicolas Bacri composer
Francis Poulenc composer

Véronique Mathieu violin
Jasmin Arakawa piano

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 its 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.

CORTÈGE honors the 20th-century output of French composers, the relationship of solemnity and celebration, and the refined skills of two of today’s top performers and interpreters of music for violin and piano.

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Hear the full album on YouTube

"The glow of the expression is electrifying"

Pizzicato

Track Listing & Credits

# Title Composer Performer
01 Violin Sonata in G Minor, L. 140: I. Allegro vivo Claude Debussy Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 4:44
02 Violin Sonata in G Minor, L. 140: II. Intermède Claude Debussy Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 4:25
03 Violin Sonata in G Minor, L. 140: III. Finale Claude Debussy Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 4:33
04 2 Pieces for Violin & Piano: No. 1, Nocturne Lili Boulanger Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 2:53
05 2 Pieces for Violin & Piano: No. 2, Cortège Lili Boulanger Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 1:42
06 D'un matin de printemps (Version for Violin & Piano) Lili Boulanger Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 4:57
07 Sonata breve for Solo Violin, Op. 45: I. Introduzione e marcia Nicolas Bacri Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 1:44
08 Sonata breve for Solo Violin, Op. 45: II. Cantilena Nicolas Bacri Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 3:04
09 Sonata breve for Solo Violin, Op. 45: III. Improvvisazione sopra un frammento motivico di W.A. Mozart Nicolas Bacri Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 2:05
10 Violin Sonata, FP 119: I. Allegro con fuoco Francis Poulenc Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 6:27
11 Violin Sonata, FP 119: II. Intermezzo Francis Poulenc Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 6:12
12 Violin Sonata, FP 119: III. Presto tragico Francis Poulenc Véronique Mathieu, violin; Jasmin Arakawa, piano 5:20

Recorded August 13-15, 2019 in Swarthout Recital Hall at the University of Kansas in Lawrence KS

Recording Session Producers Brock Babcock & Véronique Mathieu
Recording Session Engineer Brock Babcock
Editing and Mixing Brock Babcock

Executive Producer Bob Lord

Executive A&R Sam Renshaw
A&R Director Brandon MacNeil
A&R Chris Robinson

VP, Audio Production Jeff LeRoy
Audio Director, Addtl. Mastering Lucas Paquette
Mastering Shaun Michaud

VP, Design & Marketing Brett Picknell
Art Director Ryan Harrison
Design Edward A. Fleming
Publicity Patrick Niland, Sara Warner

Artist Information

Véronique Mathieu

Violinist

Described as a violinist with “chops to burn, and rock solid musicianship” (The Whole Note, Toronto), Canadian violinist Véronique Mathieu enjoys an exciting career as a soloist, chamber musician, and music educator. An avid contemporary music performer, she has commissioned and premiered numerous works by American, Brazilian, and Canadian composers, and has worked with composers such as Pierre Boulez, Heinz Holliger, and Krzysztof Penderecki. Her album debut of solo works by Boulez, Donatoni, and Lutoslawski was praised as a display of “outstanding violin playing” and “stunning [performance] with amazing technique.”

Jasmin Arakawa

Pianist

Hailed by Gramophone for her “characterful sparkle,” Jasmin Arakawa has performed widely in North America, Central and South America, Europe, China, and Japan. A prizewinner of the Jean Françaix International Music Competition, she has been heard at Carnegie Hall, Salle Gaveau in Paris, and Victoria Hall in Geneva, as well as in broadcasts of the BBC and Radio France. Arakawa is Assistant Professor of Piano at the University of Florida. She is a graduate of Indiana University (D.M., M.M.) and Tokyo University of the Arts (B.M.).