Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, the first female composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, presents a captivating collection of her concertos in this 2002 album. The album features three of her notable works: the Double Concerto, Triple Concerto, and Piano Concerto, each showcasing her unique compositional style that has evolved from atonal beginnings to a more accessible yet still sophisticated language.
The Double Concerto for Violin, Violoncello, and Orchestra opens the album with a dynamic interplay between the soloists and the orchestra. Following this, the Triple Concerto for Violin, Violoncello, and Piano offers a rich tapestry of sound, with the three solo instruments weaving intricate patterns together. The Piano Concerto, performed in three movements (Lento, Andante, Allegro), demonstrates Zwilich's mastery of orchestral color and piano virtuosity.
Conducted by Michael Stern and performed by an ensemble of accomplished musicians, this album is a testament to Zwilich's enduring contribution to contemporary classical music. With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, it offers a substantial exploration of her concertos, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The album was released under the eOne Music International Classics label, further attesting to its quality and significance in the classical music landscape.
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