"Mon Ami, Mon Amour" is a captivating journey through the French repertoire for cello and piano, performed by the dynamic duo of Matt Haimovitz and Mari Kodama. Released on November 6, 2020, this album is a testament to the vibrant musical palette of Haimovitz's soaring cello and the graceful insight of Kodama's incisive piano. The duo's constant, colorful conversation shines through in each of the 16 tracks, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes.
The album features a mix of well-known and rare pieces, including works by Poulenc, Fauré, Debussy, and the sisters Lili and Nadia Boulanger. Haimovitz's arrangements for cello and piano add a unique touch to some of the tracks, such as his renditions of Milhaud's "Élégie" and Fauré's "Après un rêve." The album is a delightful blend of neo-Baroque and effervescent styles, showcasing the technical prowess and artistic sensitivity of both performers.
Haimovitz, known for his innovative approach to classical music, and Kodama, renowned for her expressive playing, come together to create a compelling musical experience. Their chemistry is evident in every note, making "Mon Ami, Mon Amour" a standout album in the chamber music genre. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a casual listener, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2021 Pentatone Music B.V.2021 Oxingale Productions, Inc.
Tracks
Cello Sonata, FP 143: I. Allegro – Tempo di MarciaFrancis Poulenc, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Cello Sonata, FP 143: II. CavatineFrancis Poulenc, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Cello Sonata, FP 143: III. BallabileFrancis Poulenc, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Cello Sonata, FP 143: IV. FinaleFrancis Poulenc, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Papillon, Op. 77Gabriel Fauré, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Élégie, Op. 251 (Version for Cello & Piano)Darius Milhaud, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
2 Pieces for Violin & Piano (Arr. M. Haimovitz for Cello & Piano): No. 1, NocturneLili Boulanger, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
2 Pieces for Violin & Piano (Arr. M. Haimovitz for Cello & Piano): No. 2, CortègeLili Boulanger, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
3 Pieces for Cello & Piano: I. ModeratoNadia Boulanger, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
3 Pieces for Cello & Piano: II. Sans vitesse et à l'aiseNadia Boulanger, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
3 Pieces for Cello & Piano: III. Vite et nerveusement rythméNadia Boulanger, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
2 Mélodies hébraïques, M. 22a: No. 1, Kaddish (Arr. M. Haimovitz for Cello & Piano)Maurice Ravel, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Cello Sonata in D Minor, L. 135: I. Prologue. Lent, sostenuto e molto risolutoClaude Debussy, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Cello Sonata in D Minor, L. 135: II. Sérénade. Modérément animéClaude Debussy, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
Cello Sonata in D Minor, L. 135: III. Finale. Animé, léger et nerveuxClaude Debussy, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama
3 Mélodies, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve (Arr. For Cello & Piano)Gabriel Fauré, Matt Haimovitz, Mari Kodama