The intimacy of this chamber version of
Mirage is simply stunning
…Cloud Trio…[is] performed by the Zebra Trio which includes former TSO principal violist Steven Dann, Karttunen and violinist Ernst Kovacic. The eerie ethereal string timbres in this aptly named work have to be heard to be believed. Dann, Karttunen and Hakkila are featured in
Je sens un deuxième coeur, a five movement work based on Saariaho’s 2003 opera
Adriana Mater. It is certainly an effective chamber work…The other offerings are
Cendres for alto flute, cello and piano which involves extended techniques and vocalisms from the flutist (Mikael Hesasvuo), and
Serenatas for percussion (Florent Jodelet), cello and piano. The latter once
again draws on other Saariaho works as points of departure, in this case the cello concerto Notes on Light and, bringing the disc full circle, the opening piece Mirage…This recording presents a wealth of diverse textures and instruments with definitive performances by musicians who have collaborated extensively with Saariaho, one of the most distinctive voices in the music of our time. © 2012 The WholeNote Read complete review
