“Violist Molly Gebrian is more than just a performer…As the three sonatas were originally written for cello, she crafted new arrangements and also liner notes that provide illuminating commentaries on the composers and the works.
Each of the sonatas challenges the performers in multiple ways. Many movements, for instance, are in the seven-minute range, which demands the musicians sustain high levels of concentration and poise for extended durations. With Holt as her partner, Gebrian does precisely that and more.
Gebrian is as multi-faceted as the composers featured on Trailblazers: not only is she a professional violist, she's a neuroscientist with degrees from Oberlin College and Conservatory, New England Conservatory of Music, and Rice University. The disciplines intertwine in her life and research, given that her area of expertise has to do with the roles learning and memory play in practicing and performing.”
Ron Schepper, textura
TRAILBLAZERS: Sonatas by Henriëtte Bosmans, Ethel Smyth, and Dora Pejačević
Molly Gebrian viola
Danny Holt piano
APL: 54162
Total Time: 69:07
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Henriëtte Bosmans (1895–1952)
Sonata in A minor (21:30)
I. Allegro maestoso
II. Un poco allegretto
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro molto e con fuoco
Ethel Mary Smyth (1858–1944)
Sonata in A minor, Op. 5 (20:04)
I. Allegro moderato
II. Adagio non troppo
III. Allegro vivace e grazioso
Dora Pejačević (1885–1923)
Sonata in E minor, Op. 35 (27:35)
I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo. Allegro
III. Adagio sostenuto
IV. Allegro comodo
Links: Molly Gebrian | Danny Holt |
Cover Art | Press Release
FURTHER READING ON THE COMPOSERS
Henriëtte Bosmans | forbiddenmusicregained.org | cellosonate.nl | She Writes “Like A Man” by Aurora Lawrie |
Ethel Smyth | ethelsmyth.org | themarginalian.org | bbc.com |
Dora Pejačević | unknowncomposers.org | maudpowell.org | abc.net.au |