Celebrating her 50th birthday, the renowned recorder virtuoso Michala Petri joins forces with the esteemed Kremerata Baltica ensemble for a captivating concert experience. This album, released on April 28, 2009, under the OUR Recordings label, is a testament to Petri's extraordinary skill and versatility, spanning a diverse repertoire of chamber and classical music.
The concert opens with Vivaldi's Recorder Concerto in D Minor, showcasing Petri's technical prowess and expressive depth. The program then ventures into the evocative world of Yi's "The Ancient Chinese Beauty," a three-movement suite that blends traditional Chinese influences with contemporary classical styles. Mozart's Andante in C Major, K. 315, provides a moment of serene elegance, while Vassiliev's Concerto for Strings offers a dynamic and engaging journey through its four movements.
The concert also features a poignant farewell piece, "Valere lubere," and a lively Recorder Concerto in C Major by Vivaldi. Adding a touch of whimsy, the album concludes with playful variations on the familiar "Happy Birthday" tune, arranged in various styles.
With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a delightful exploration of Petri's artistry, offering a blend of well-known classics and lesser-known gems. Whether you're a longtime fan of Michala Petri or new to her work, this concert album promises an enchanting and memorable listening experience.