Sono Luminus is proud to announce the latest project from Michael Lewin, Beau Soir: Préludes Book II & Other Works. It is a collection of popular works from one of the world’s favorite composers with his complete second book of préludes following the popular and critical success of Piano Phantoms (DSL-92168). This is the rst time this music has been presented in stunning high-resolution stereo and surround sound on Pure Audio Blu-ray (standard CD included in the package).

Michael Lewin enjoys a distinguished international reputation as one of America’s most abundantly gifted and charismatic concert pianists, performing to acclamation in 30 countries. Commanding a repertoire of 40 piano concertos, Michael Lewin has appeared as soloist with the Netherlands Philharmonic, Cairo Symphony, Bucharest ‘Enescu’ Philharmonic, Filharmónica Jalisco de Guadalajara, State Symphony of Greece, the Boston Pops, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, the Symphonies of Phoenix, Indianapolis, Miami, Colorado, Nevada, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, Illinois, North Carolina, Sinfonia da Camera, and the Youth Orchestra of the Americas. He has premiered two Concertos by David Kocsis and performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue over 50 times.

Lewin’s career was launched with top prizes in the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition in the Netherlands, the American Pianists Association Award and the William Kapell International Competition. Following his notable New York recital debut in Lincoln Center, The New York Times wrote that “his immense technique and ability qualify him eminently for success.” Since then he has concertized widely in solo recital, with orchestras, and as a chamber musician.

This recording will be followed up by a recording to be done in 2014 which will have Préludes Book I and more Debussy favorites.

michaellewin.com

Track List

1. Beau soir (arr. for piano)     3:19
2. L'isle joyeuse     6:02
3. Children's Corner: V. The Little Shepherd     2:46
4. Danse, "Tarantelle syrienne"     5:00
5. Elegie     2:08
6. 12 Etudes: No. 5. Pour les octaves (For octaves)     2:54
7. Valse romantique     3:31
8. La plus que lente     4:31

Preludes, Book 2
9. No. 1. Brouillards     3:11
10. No. 2. Feuilles mortes     2:57
11. No. 3. La puerta del vino     3:06
12. No. 4. Les fees sont d'exquises danseuses     3:02
13. No. 5. Bruyeres     3:09
14. No. 6. General Lavine - eccentric     2:48
15. No. 7. La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune     4:26
16. No. 8. Ondine     3:19
17. No. 9. Hommage a S. Pickwick Esq. P.P.M.P.C     2:27
18. No. 10. Canope     3:10
19. No. 11. Les tierces alternees     2:34
20. No. 12. Feux d'artifice     4:45

Total time: 69:05
Release date: 2014
UPC: 053479217523

Quotes & Reviews

Even in a catalog crowded with world-class Debussy Préludes Book II cycles, Michael Lewin has a lot to offer. The intricate fingerwork in Nos. 1, 4, 8, 11 and 12 combine muted hues and blueprint clarity, while sustained neutral tones create haunting long lines throughout Nos. 2 and 10. The disc opens with pianist/transcriber Koji Attwood’s beautiful reworking of the song “Beau Soir,” followed by myriad short works. Although Lewin’s cut and dried Valse romantique and La Plus que lente may lack charm and sentiment to certain ears, L’isle joyeux and Etude pour les octaves release their pent-up tension to impressive effect.

Jed Distler, Listen Magazine

Debussy's keyboard output lends itself to many approaches. A touch of fallibility can be fine, as long as the musical intent is present – and players who over-accentuate the technical demands can sound flashy and superficial. Michael Lewin's technique is phenomenal, but he's too generous a player to draw attention to himself at Debussy's expense…

Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk

…Lewin has much to say, and says it with confidence and a genuine point of view with the best piano sound this composer has ever gotten.

Stephen Ritter, Audiophile Audition

Also Available From

Apple Music

Spotify

Amazon

HDtracks

ArkivMusic

ArkivMusic

More from Sono Luminus