Ittai SHAPIRA (b.1973)
Concierto Latino (2008) [26:04]
Ittai Shapira (violin)
London Serenata/Krzysztof Chorzelski
St Paul's, New Southgate, London, 26 March 2010. DDD
CHAMPS HILL RECORDS CHRCD 020 [26:04]
For anyone giving this review only ten seconds before they make up their mind:
this is an unmissable CD. Shapira's Concierto Latino is a memorably
orchestrated, romantic modern masterpiece, full of imagination, passion and
beautiful melody.
Israeli-American violinist Ittai Shapira has now recorded numerous CDs as
a soloist, from his debut in 2000 on EMI Classics, less than warmly reviewed
here,
to much more enthusiastically received recent performances reviewed here
and here,
the latter his most recent recording for not-for-profit English label Champs
Hill Records. This new release appears to be his first disc as composer, although
he has written, among other works, a violin concerto, a double violin concerto
and a double concerto for violin and cello.
Because of the very short playing time, this is being marketed as a CD single,
and rightly so. Nevertheless, everything else about it - jewel case, booklet,
disc size, recording quality - is standard. The asking price reflects both
facts, although a wide discrepancy is found between retailers. Rest assured,
the Concierto Latino is worth every penny.
According to the booklet notes, Shapira's influences include not just the
likes of Villa-Lobos and de Falla, but also Osvaldo Golijov, the Buena Vista
Social Club and in particular the Colombian pop singer of international renown
- at least among those who like that sort of thing - known as 'Shakira'. The
notes repeat her "prophetic" pearls of wisdom, that writing music
"has a therapeutic effect".
Shapira found this out for himself after he was mugged by a gang of men in
New York in 2005. Subsequent daily headaches were accompanied by bursts of
sound which Shapira began to write down. This musical response helped the
memories of the attack come back, a process which Shapira found cathartic.
Concierto Latino's first movement is thus entitled 'The Attack', but,
aside from the insistent rhythmic energy, the horror of the assault is not
especially emphasised in the music, which is surprisingly upbeat. More to
the fore are influences from Shapira's Jewish Middle Eastern background and
the Latin ones already mentioned, which give the work its title. The second
movement, 'Lament', is a reflection on the mugging, and begins wistfully.
There is soon another rhythmically vigorous episode which suggests the physicality
of the attack. Solemn contemplation soon returns, before yielding to a beautiful
melody which, according to the notes, indicates "resignation and, ultimately,
acceptance". Throughout this movement Shapira plays with great expression
- the music clearly kindles deep feelings.
Shapira's recovery from the assault is celebrated by the final movement, tellingly
entitled 'Party'. Conga, salsa and rhumba rhythms aided by ethnic drums and
trumpets alternate with more heartfelt optimism, partly Germanic, partly Sephardic.
Shapira's finely intoned, virtuosic violin (an early Guadagnini) brings this
vivid, unforgettable work to a vivacious conclusion.
London Serenata do not get a mention in the notes, but whoever they are, they
play superbly under Krzysztof Chorzelski - better know as the Belcea Quartet's
violist. Sound quality is excellent, and the booklet glossy and informative,
even if the notes are rather overstated in places.
Finally, it is worth quoting the raison d'être of Champs Hill, from
their website: "It's
not about making money, it's about giving people the chance to hear some of
the finest musicians in the world, and about providing a platform for some
of the marvellous young instrumentalists who are on their way up. With Champs
Hill Records we're also keen to present relatively little-known music that
is unlikely to stand a chance with the big labels."
With this latest release they have succeeded admirably on every level.
Byzantion
Collected reviews and contact at reviews.gramma.co.uk
Succeeds admirably on every level.