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Volume 11 Issue 9 - June 2006

  • Text
  • Festival
  • Toronto
  • Jazz
  • Theatre
  • Concerts
  • Musical
  • Classical
  • Choir
  • Violin
  • Quartet

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Back to Ad Index EXTENDED PLAY - MOZART AND THE PARKER CLAN Mozart - Concertos for 1, 2 and3 pianos Jon Kimura Parker; James Parker; Ian Parker CBC Radio Orchestra; Mario Bernardi CBC Records SMCD 5240 While Montreal's Brott family can truly be regarded as one of the foremost musical families in eastern Canada, the Parkers, originally from Vancouver, may be regarded as their western counterpart. It began with the renowned piano pedagogue Edward, who in turn taught two nephews, Jon Kimura and James, in addition to his own son Ian. All three pupils went on to study at the Juilliard School and all have established careers as performers, teachers and recording artists - indeed a fine testament to the early teaching skills bestowed upon them by their respective uncle and father. I was fortunate enough to have studied with Edward myself as a boy when we lived in Vancouver years ago, although at the time I had no idea how lucky I was. As a shy, bespectacled 11 year old, all I knew was that Mr. Parker made me very nervous, particularly when he felt I had not been practicing diligently enough. I also remember that he would sometimes eat his supper on the piano during my lessons and I was often uneasy that a morsel of food might drop onto the strings of the Heintzman grand and ruin my interpretation of a Chopin waltz . (It never happened). Alas, I never did as well as any of the Parker boys. But I bear no grudge. This new recording with the CBC Radio Orchestra and Mario Bernardi is a delight - a true showcase of their collective talents. Recorded live at the Chan Centre in January of this past year, the disc features three concertos - #21 in C major K.467, played by Jon Kimura Parker, the concerto for two pianos K365, played by Jon Kimura and his brother Jamie, and the triple concerto K.242, in which these two are joined by cousin Ian. Concertos for more than one solo instrument - usually referred to as sinfonias concertante - were popular in Europe during the 1770s and '80s, and numerous composers turned their hand to them, including J.C. Bach, Karl Stamitz, and Josef Haydn. Mozart was no stranger to the genre and, not surprisingly, his efforts may be considered among the finest of their type. Whatever means the Parkers took in divvying up the respective roles, the result is a success. Whether performing solo or as a group, the three artists demonstrate a thoughtful and intelligent approach throughout. While each of them possesses flawless technique, there is also ample evidence of a deep-rooted sensitivity - no one can accuse them of being mere technicians! One of the challenges in concertante playing is to ensure that one part never overshadows the other(s). This certainly doesn't appear to be a problem for the Parkers who achieve a fine balance at all times. Tempos are well-paced, and I was particularly happy to hear the finale of the double concerto executed at a civilized allegro rather than the lickety-split pace that certain piano duos seem to insist upon. (The team of Argerich and Rabinovitch comes to mind.) Surely Mozart never intended this movement as an exercise in digital gymnastics! What good is a CD of concertos without a solid orchestra to accompany the soloists? Under the baton of Mario Bernardi the CBC Radio Orchestra creates a lively and spirited mood, providing a perfect platform for the Parkers in all their combinations. Despite the plethora of Mozart recordings appearing in this landmark year, this one is indeed a splendid addition to the catalogue. Great music, elegantly performed. Well done, gentlemen, let's continue to hear more from all of you! Richard Haskell SUBSCRIBE AND GET UP TO 3 CONCERTS FOR FREE! 52 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: Bach St. John Passion Handel Water Music Purcell The Fairy Queen Mozart The Magic Flute with Opera Atelier Handel Solomon Concerts take place at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre I 427 Bloor Street West Call the Tafelmusik Box Office today at 416.964.6337 WWW.THEWHOLENOTE.COM Jeanne Lamon, Music Director lvars Taurins, Director, Chamber Choir www.tafelmusik.org 2006-2007 Season Presenting Sponsor tZ:-0 Sun~-' Life Financial J U NE 1 - JULY 7 2006

SHOSTAKOVICH 1 0 May 31 at 8pm June 1 at 8pm June 3 at 8pm The sensational Maxim Vengerov performs Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 (May31 &June 1) Janine Jansen performs Shostakovich's 2"' Violi n concerto (June 3). Andrey Boreyko conducts Shostakovich's 10th Symphony. PETER OUNDJIAN CONDUCTS THE MUSIC OF BERNSTEIN, STRAUSS 8: HAYDN June 7 at 8pm June 8 at 2pm Peter Oundjian conducts a programme of philosophy set to music. Violinist Robert McDuffie performs Bernstein's Serenede. Programme includes Also sprach Zarathustra by R. Strauss and Haydn's Symphony No. 22 "The Philosopher". ITZHAK PERLMAN June 10 at 8 pm The world's favourite violinist returns to the TSO for one night onlyl Peter Oundjian conducts Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 and Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1. ALMOST SOLD OUT - BUY TODAY! BEN HEPPNER June 15 at 8 pm June 17 at 7:30 pm Peter Oundjian joins forces with Canada's superstar tenor for this spectacular concerti Ben Heppner performs dramatic arias by Beethoven and Wagner. June 15 sponsored by RAYMOND JAMES June 17 part of the BANANA RF.PURI .IC Casual Concerts Series LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS June 20 at 8 pm June 21 at 2pm 8: 8pm Nicholas McGegan conducts this annual raucous musical party in the British tradition I 0 June 21 sponsored by '~!E.~

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