“An instant Canadian classic” – CBC’s Paolo Pietropaolo

This recording commemorates the remarkable Canadian musical figure Nikolai Korndorf (1947-2001). The release coincides with what would have been his 75th birthday. The album offers three outstanding compositions that mark a creative highpoint and artistic rite of passage from his native Russia to Canada. These selections define an emerging path and highlight his full embrace of the cultural values of his adopted land, all the while never losing touch with his Russian roots. They stand as a lasting tribute to the outstanding musical legacy of a composer who left us far too soon.

TRACKS
The Smile of Maud Lewis for orchestra – Nikolai Korndorf
WORLD PREMIERE RECORDING

Triptych for cello and piano – Nikolai Korndorf
I. Lament
II. Response
III. Glorification
Ariel Barnes, cello; Anna Levy, piano

Lullaby for two pianos – Nikolai Korndorf
Anna Levy and Jane Hayes, pianos

half-light, somnolent rains for piano duo – Jocelyn Morlock
Jane Hayes and Anna Levy, pianos

The Smile of Maud Lewis is available from:

REVIEWS
“It is difficult to Imagine a better introduction to Korndorf’s music; sterling performances in a fine recording conspire to create an indelible impression. Five stars.” (Colin Clark).
“Performances are excellent….I was happy to be introduced the music of Nikolai Korndorf by this album….” (Peter Burwasser).
“The Canadian music of Nikolai Korndorf has been a wonderful discovery for me, and this disc blasts some other one off my 2022 Want List.” (James H. North).
“This is a lovely and most satisfying hour of music-making. Recommend.” (Ken Meltzer). Fanfare Magazine, November/December, 2022

“Sound is absolutely first-rate throughout, as these superb performances demand.” (Ivan Moody) – Gramophone – November, 2022

CREDITS
Orchestra
Conductor: Leslie Dala
Flute/Piccolo/Recorder: Chris James
Oboe: Emma Ringrose
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet: AK Coope
Bassoon: Julia Lockhart
French horn: Andrew Clark, Kristin Ranshaw
Percussion: Vern Griffiths
Celesta: Jane Hayes
Solo Violin: Nicholas Wright, Timothy Steeves
Violin 1: Jennie Press, Jae-Won Bang, Angela Cavadas, Carina Vincenti, Mary Sokol Brown, Evelyn Creaser
Violin 2: Mark Ferris, Ann Okagaito, Jenny Lim, Xiaoxue Sunny She, Peter Krysa, Domagoj Ivanovic
Viola: Andrew Brown, Katrina Chitty, Isabelle Roland, Reg Quiring
Cello: Janet Steinberg, Charles Inkman, Peggy Lee, Isidora Nojkovic
Bass: Noah Reitman, David Brown

Contractor: Jim Littleford

The Smile of Maud Lewis was recorded on Oct 24, 2021 at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, UBC. All other compositions were recorded on Nov 14 & 15, 2021 at the ANNEX, Vancouver.

Special thanks to Galina Averina for her valuable insights into the life and music of Nikolai Korndorf.

Artistic Directors: Anna Levy and Jane Hayes
Notes: Gregory Myers
Design: Diana Neave

Accounting: Robert Simons
Recording Engineer: Piotr Wieczorek
Producer: Denise Ball
Mastering: João Carvalho
Executive Producer: Michael Juk

Thank you
Jordan Nobles, Bob Bjerke, Levi Pease, Dusty Kelly, David Humphrey, Ken McDonald, Micaela Peragallo, James Perrella, Shannon Parker, David Brown

Maud Lewis images provided by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia artgalleryofnovascotia.ca

This album is a production of the Yarilo Contemporary Music Society yarilomusic.com

TK516 © 2022 Yarilo Contemporary Music Society

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