Recordings

Poetic Moods offers a unique glimpse into the world of Ukrainian composers of the past one hundred years, much of their music unknown thus far. Characterized by introspective lyricism, the featured works evoke a diverse range of moods and colours. Although each composer reflects an individual style, a sense of musical poetry can be perceived in common among them. The CD is titled after Yuri Ishchenko's cycle Poetic Moods, Book I, which, along with his Four Waltzes and Just a Touch of Chopin, marks a world premiere on this recording.

Cover image: "Evening II" by Olga Konoshchuk.

Lullaby for a Snowy Night is a magical winter journey to various corners of the world. Both familiar and rare, the selected pieces range from calming slumber songs and ancient carols rooted in dance form, to popular themes from a beloved childhood ballet. A dream-like tone is set with the title track Lullaby for a Snowy Night by Jean Coulthard, one of Canada’s most celebrated composers, and continues with works by Reger, Brahms and Liszt. The next segment features carols from France, Romania, Ukraine and England before the path takes a turn toward holiday favourites, such as The Nutcracker and Sleigh Ride. Traveling through Italy, listeners encounter the recurrent theme of bagpipers who descend into Rome from the surrounding hills in the days preceding Christmas. The nocturnal journey fittingly concludes on an uplifting note with J. S. Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, transcribed for piano by Dame Myra Hess.