Notes and Editorial Reviews
"Anne Akiko Meyers, of Japanese and American parentage, here convincingly brings together the worlds of French music at its finest with the new music of Japan. It makes a satisfying sequence with some illuminating juxtapositions, as when Messiaen’s very early Theme and Variations of 1932, positive and characterful in the manner of his teacher, Paul Dukas, is followed by Takemitsu’s piece, which starts with clotted chords typical of the mature Messiaen...
The Debussy and Ravel Sonatas, both late and, in their way, parallel works, make a satisfying centrepiece, with Meyers passionate and volatile, exploring their improvisatory qualities. In the Debussy, having shown her prowess in portamento, she goes much farther than most
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latterday interpreters in highlighting the slides marked in the score. That will not please everyone, but the result is certainly strong, helped by confident support from Li Jian at the piano and close-up sound.
Considering that closeness, it is amazing what a range of dynamic and tone Meyers is able to demonstrate. The central scherzo of the Debussy, fantasque et légèr, is full of Pierrot-like fantasy, and her approach to the Ravel is similarly spontaneous, giving logic to the many unexpected progressions and twists. Needless, to say, she relishes even more than most violinists the slides and blue-notes marked in the central ‘Blues’ movement...it is good to be reminded what a characterful violinist she is."
Edward Greenfield, GRAMOPHONE
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Works on This Recording
1.
Birds in Warped Time 2 by Somei Satoh
Performer:
Li Jian (Piano),
Anne Akiko Meyers (Violin)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1980; Japan
2.
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor by Claude Debussy
Performer:
Anne Akiko Meyers (Violin),
Li Jian (Piano)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1916-1917; France
3.
Thème et Variations for Violin and Piano by Olivier Messiaen
Performer:
Li Jian (Piano),
Anne Akiko Meyers (Violin)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1932; France
4.
Distance de fée by Toru Takemitsu
Performer:
Li Jian (Piano),
Anne Akiko Meyers (Violin)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1951; Japan
5.
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G major by Maurice Ravel
Performer:
Li Jian (Piano),
Anne Akiko Meyers (Violin)
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1923-1927; France
Featured Sound Samples
Birds in Warped Time 2 (Satoh)
Violin Sonata (Ravel): I. Allegretto
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