Rachel Kolly dazzles with her latest album, "American Serenade," a captivating journey through the works of Gershwin and Plato, reimagined for violin and orchestra. Released on September 1, 2013, under the Wondering Minstrel label, this album is a testament to Kolly's virtuosic skill and her ability to breathe new life into classic compositions.
The album begins with a six-movement fantasy on Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," each track a unique interpretation of the beloved opera's themes. From the playful "It ain't Necessarily So" to the tender "Summertime," Kolly's violin sings with a richness and depth that brings Gershwin's melodies to the forefront. The album then transitions into a five-movement serenade inspired by Plato's "Symposium," each section named after a different speaker in the dialogue. Kolly's violin weaves a tapestry of sound that echoes the philosophical musings of the ancient text, creating a unique blend of classical and contemporary.
The album concludes with a thrilling rendition of the "Carmen Fantasie," showcasing Kolly's technical prowess and musical sensitivity. Throughout the album, Kolly is accompanied by a full orchestra, their collective sound a powerful backdrop to her violin's soaring melodies.
"American Serenade" is a testament to Rachel Kolly's artistry, a collection of pieces that are both familiar and fresh, timeless and innovative. With a duration of just over an hour, it's an album that demands to be heard, a celebration of music's power to connect us to our past and our present.
Tracks
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: I. It ain't Necessarily SoAlexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: II. I got Plenty o'nuttin'Alexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: III. My Man's Gone NowAlexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: IV. SummertimeAlexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: V. There's a Boat that's Leavin'Alexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: VI. Bess You is My Woman NowAlexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: VII. Andantino con molto caloreAlexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Fantasy on Gershwin's Porgy and Bess for Violin and Orchestra: VIII. Cadenza and FinaleAlexander Courage, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Serenade after Plato's Symposium for Violin and Orchestra: I. Phaedrus-PausaniasLeonard Bernstein, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Serenade after Plato's Symposium for Violin and Orchestra: II. AristophanesLeonard Bernstein, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Serenade after Plato's Symposium for Violin and Orchestra: III. EryximachusLeonard Bernstein, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Serenade after Plato's Symposium for Violin and Orchestra: IV. AgathonLeonard Bernstein, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Serenade after Plato's Symposium for Violin and Orchestra: V. Socrates-AlcibiadesLeonard Bernstein, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
Carmen Fantasie for Violin and OrchestraFranz Waxman, Rachel Kolly, John Axelrod, Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire
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