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CD
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ERGODOS 030CD
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Winter is the debut release from Ficino Ensemble, a group of flexible size specializing in the rich repertoire of classical chamber music -- a tradition of intimacy, introspection, poise, and exchange to which they bring such insight in performance. Here, they present three works -- Brahms's "August Clarinet Quintet of 1891", Ravel's virtuosic "Introduction and Allegro" (1905); to the title track, "Winter", by Irish composer Garrett Sholdice, composed especially for this project in 2018 In some respects Brahms's "Clarinet Quintet" looks back to the elegant designs of Mozart's "Clarinet Quintet". Yet in its deliberate patterns of speech its richly dark hues, the music is deeply personal -- each movement the revelation of a secret. Ravel's "Introduction and Allergo", for harp, flute, clarinet, and string quartet, is brighter -- evoking, perhaps, the particular radiance of sunshine on a December morning. In "Winter", for harp, clarinet, and string trio, Garrett Sholdice provides a fulcrum about which the Brahms and Ravel may balance each other. This is a work entirely concerned with re-colorings and shadings of musical material. At its core, it is a ritual that simultaneously moves and stays still. Ficino Ensemble was formed by its artistic director Nathan Sherman in 2012. Their concerts have been described as exciting and intimate with a high caliber of ensemble playing. The members of the group are recognized in Ireland and abroad as soloists and chamber musicians.
Garrett Sholdice (b. 1983) is an Irish composer. His music has been described as possessing an "exquisite delicacy" (The Irish Times). Notable recent works include "The Root and the Crown", a twenty-minute ensemble work, commissioned by Crash Ensemble.
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