This recording includes compositions written over a 22 year span, with performances by virtuoso violinist Joanna Kurkowicz and the composer at the piano. John McDonald is Music Department Chair and Professor of Music at Tufts University. McDonald was named the 2007 MTNA—Shepherd Distinguished Composer of the Year by the Music Teachers National Association, and received the 2009 Lillian and Joseph Leibner Award for Distinguished Teaching and Advising from Tufts University. In 2010, he received the Waring Prize from Western Reserve Academy. John McDonald's recordings appear on the Albany, Archetype, Arsis, Boston, BMOP Sound, Bridge, Capstone, Hungarton Classics, Innova, Neuma, New Ariel, and New World labels, and he has concertized widely as composer, pianist, and collaborative performer. Andrew Rangell's performance of McDonald's Meditation Before A Sonata: Dew Cloth, Dream Drapery is on BRIDGE 9295 and Joanna Kurkowicz's recording of violin works by Alfred Schnittke is on BRIDGE 9104.
Reviews:
“All of these works feature a violin that is constantly singing and always strong but never harsh. Joanna Kurkowicz’s performance is so thoroughly in command that even the intonation becomes expressive.” - Classical Ear
“McDonald’s compositions are quite varied and each track presents something new to delight the listener. Each instrument can be heard clearly and they blend beautifully when that is called for. Here is some excellent new music that should interest collectors.” - Fanfare (Maria Nockin)
“McDonald could hardly be bettered in his authoritative and utterly sympathetic collaboration at the keyboard. Obviously, most highly recommended.” - Fanfare (Ronald E. Grames)
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Joanna Kurkowicz, violin
John McDonald, piano
Lyrical Study, Op. 10, No. 2 (1985)
Poem, Op. 12B (1985)
Brief Pastiche Of A Theme By Schoenberg, Op. 15 (1985)
Four Single-Minded Miniatures, Op. 27 (1987)
Mad Dance, Op. 66 (1986/88)
Lily Events: A Suite Of Seven Little Studies, Op. 97 (1989)
Sonata For Solo Violin, Op. 219 (1994)
Suite of Six Curt Pieces, Op. 326 (1999-2000)
Lines After Keats, Op. 336 (2000)
Airy, Op. 436 (2007-2008)
BRIDGE 9402