Doubly Welcome
Music for violin and piano
by Gerard Schurmann -
recommended by
HOWARD SMITH'Excellent from start to finish.'
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While thankful at discovering a programme of Anglo-Dutch composer Gerard Schurmann's idiosyncratic, lyrical violin and piano music on disc -- however belatedly -- I judge this Toccata release doubly welcome for its persuasive, detailed notes by journalist Carolyn Nott (also known as Mrs Schurmann) who runs a consulting business marketing for architects and designers.
Even more, Toccata CEO Martin Anderson has engaged performers quite clearly intent on identifying with Schurmann's singular works; lavishing them with fire, passion, and consistent resolve.
None of this music is that of a young man; the two duo compositions and works for piano alone were written within years when Schurmann was forty-eight, and an octogenarian, aged eighty-three (2007).
In 1990 sixteen-year-old violinist Alyssa Park became the youngest prizewinner in the history of the Tchaikovsky International Competition earning the bronze medal...
Copyright © 19 May 2012
Howard Smith,
Masterton, New Zealand
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