I greatly admire the compositions of my friend, the Czech, London-based composer Jelena Poulíčková. Here is a selection of them which I hope you will enjoy as much as I do.

Jelena Poulíčková: Ballade

Jelena Poulíčková: Rain

Played by the String Orchestra Ensemble Opera Diversa and guests: Iveta Kundrátová - flute, Kamila Jouzová - harp, Jan Bělohlávek - violin, David Šlechta - viola, Lukáš Svoboda - violoncello, Gabriela Tardonová - conductor.

Heitor Villa-Lobos: Quinteto instrumental (1957) - Allegro non troppo

Heitor Villa-Lobos: Quinteto instrumental (1957) - II. Lento

A setting of fragments of a poem written by Peter Tunstall to vocals, performed by myself. Original poem, 'Harvest Hymn,' is below.

Harvest Hymn 

Crackle, O Christ-Antichrist, black fire, bloodlip,
cloudberry burst on the tongue’s midnight.
Thou art my Northpoleon and my Southpoleon,
top-heavy foxglove of contradictions,
pungent messiah,
clasped in the two blue palms of sea and saw,
savour and suture.
For we are grown huge and fragile too in the richness of thy rain,
July spiders, wobbly and crying-out-for.
Can’t help but hear and heft all the debris-cored cannonballs
accreted pirate-fitful nickel and bitter
ground in the gums of the deep,
the Stormhatcher, tonight.
Can’t help but taste the wishbones,
the crushed bones, of summer in its seed,
and the seed sharp in its butchery,
all the jealous stars.

Oh, to ball up this wrong heart and lob it
at the fontanel of heaven.
To be more than.


Crackle Oh Christ

This playlist represents a "best of" collection from Jenny Lin.

One of today's most respected young pianists, Ms. Lin has been celebrated, in particular, for her adventurous programming and charismatic stage presence. Her ability to combine classical and contemporary literature has brought her to the attention of international critics and audiences.
Armed with what the New York Times called a,  “remarkable technical command," The Washington Post declared that she is, “…surely one of the most interesting pianists in America right now…”

Visit www.jennylin.net to hear more.

Rodgers/Previn-Blue Moon

Ligeti-Etudes for Piano, Book 3: no 1

A song from my album, 'Country of Origin.'

Duck Duck Goose

A reading/workshopping by Spektral Quartet of a piece for string quartet.

In my work with older adults suffering from dementia, I have often been humbled by the courage, humor and immense resourcefulness they show, even in the face of nightmarish confusion. Mabel is dedicated to Mabel Helen Wegener (1925-2015). If it ever comes to it, I hope I can be even half as brave as she was.

Mabel (for string quartet)

The Kapralova Society presents:
Antonin Kubalek (pno.), Gerard Kantarjian (violin), Dana Campbell (soprano), Alex Gremmelspacher (pno.)and Coenraad Bloemendal (violoncello) in Vitezslava Kapralova's:
Variations sur le carillon, for piano
Legend, Elegy, Burlesque for violin and piano
April preludes for piano
Ritournelle pour violoncelle et piano
Apple from the lap, for voice and piano




April Prelude 2 Track 7 Artist: Anton Kubalek

Sprit*Essence by Mary Gardiner

Ardeleana Trio
Laurie Glencross, flute; Bonnie Shewan Jeffrey, piano; Brenda Muller, cello

“This work came about in response to an article which upheld the premise that the spirit of humankind, beset these days with anguish over the state of the world, can still find beauty, and it is the artist’s task to reflect beauty as well as anguish. The work has three distinct sections. The first has a continuous figure suggesting serenity. Although each instrument asserts itself in turn, all finally return to serene co-existence. A short interlude allows the performers, using musical gestures provided, to create an atmosphere evocative of a new day. An ancient Hebrew folk dance is the basis for the final section, full of exuberance. The work ends with a return to the initial theme of serenity…”

Recorded in 1993 in Toronto, Ontario, at Humbercrest United Church.

Mary Gardiner - Spirit*Essence

Promoting the music by Vítězslava Kaprálová.

April Prelude 2 Track 7 Artist: Anton Kubalek

Kapralova Society

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