Intro
MAHAN ESFAHANI (harpsichord) – MYRNA HERZOG (viola da gamba)
Magic Carpet brings together Iranian harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani and Israeli viol player Myrna Herzog in an emotional and fascinating encounter.
In the program music by Bach, Couperin, Uri Brener (Magic Carpet (2021) - a piece composed for the occasion), Chaim Alexander, Bohuslav Martinů and Edmundo Vilani Côrtes.
The central piece of the program is Magic Carpet - written by Uri Brener for Herzog and Esfahani. "After studying and performing in Russia, Germany and Holland, Moscow-born pianist/composer Uri Brener (b.1974) made his home in Israel. Brener dedicated "Magic Carpet" for viola da gamba and harpsichord to Myrna Herzog and Mahan Esfahani. This performance was the world premiere of the work (the concert taking its title from this piece). Herzog and Esfahani gave refined, dedicated, in-depth expression to the rich, exotic hues of Brener's oriental musical canvas, to both its mystery and intensity, a journey taking the listener through the piece's wide range of textures and timbres, evoking from eerie, otherworldly sensations to busy, "crowd scenes" and wild, unrelenting dances. Brener's writing for the two instruments is sophisticated, informed and impactful. A truly multifaceted musician, the composer has previously transcended boundaries to probe various different musical worlds, here delving into the world of orientalism via his own sensibility, his refined and subtle musical language." Pamela Hickman
Program
François Couperin (1668-1733) – Ninth Concert, Ritratto dell’amore (The portrait of Love)
The Charm – Enjoyment – Gracefulness – The “I-don’t-know-what”
Uri Brenner (1974) – Magic Carpet (2021)
Haim Alexander (1915-2012) - Improvisation on a Persian Wedding Song (1974)
Edmundo Vilani Côrtes (1930) - Five Brazilian miniatures (1978)
Prelúdio – Toada – Chorinho – Cantiga de ninar (Lullaby) - Baião
Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959) - Deux pieces pour clavecin (op posth.)
Lento - Allegro con brio
J.S. Bach (1680-1750) - Sonata in D major, BWV 1028 for viola da gamba and harpsichord
Adagio/ Allegro/ Andante/ Allegro
Review
"Myrna Herzog and Mahan Esfahani gave refined, dedicated, in-depth expression to the rich, exotic hues of Brener's oriental musical canvas, to both its mystery and intensity, a journey taking the listener through the piece's wide range of textures and timbres, evoking from eerie, otherworldly sensations to busy, "crowd scenes" and wild, unrelenting dances. Brener's writing for the two instruments is sophisticated, informed and impactful".
Read Pamela Hickman's full review here.
Some reactions via facebook:
– Ricardo Tacuchian (Brazilian composer): Spectacular: sensational work and performers.
– Aharon Shefi (Israseli composer) - Bravo. Moving. The power of the "intimate" instruments is expressed strongly, loudly and defiantly.
– Guenter Krause (German composer) - Listening in the morning took me central european to Sheherezades 1001 nights dreamland again . Great piece and recording.
– Shlomo Israeli: Fascinating and intriguing
– Eduardo Camenietzki (former musical producer at TV Cultura, TV Educativa and TV Globo, Rio),: What a wonderful creation!!!!!!! And what a sound!!!
– Marina Katz: Bravissimo!! Very beautiful performance of very special composition with the Middle East accent!
– Tal Arbel: Bravo Myrna Herzog! This is a very meaningful addition to the contemporary repertoire for viol and harpsichord!
– Giomar Garcia Sthel: LOVED IT
– Oren Perlin: How beautiful! Bravo!
– Naama Lion: Beautiful piece, great performance!
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