Fables: Assiginaak & Ravel | Atma Classique ACD22843

Fables: Assiginaak & Ravel

£13.25

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Label: Atma Classique

Cat No: ACD22843

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Instrumental

Release Date: 27th May 2022

Contents

About

ATMA Classique is pleased to present Fables, a new solo recording by Canadian pianist Philip Chiu. The album pairs two piano transcriptions of music by Ravel with Mnidoonskaa (A Multitude of Insects), a 2021 work by Anishinaabekwe composer Barbara Assiginaak.

One of Ravel's best-known works, Mother Goose is heard here in a version for solo piano by Jacques Charlot, published in 1910. Though the composer's String Quartet in F major is an early piece from 1903, Ravel's playful, idiosyncratic language is already well established. Chiu performs a transcription of the quartet for solo piano by Lucien Garban, published in 1921.

Assiginaak's music expresses traditions and messages of indigenous history. A direct descendant of hereditary chiefs who signed major treaties in Ontario, the composer is a child and grandchild of residential school survivors.

"Mnidoonskaa reflects on my childhood immersed in akiing (the land), mshkiigkiing (the swamps/ marshes) and nibiing (the waters) – and nearly two decades of work in environmental outdoor education rooted in the Anishinaabeg teachings of my family and Elders," says Assiginaak.

"We have many traditional stories connected to these mnidoonsak – tiny spirit beings – and their important roles within the intricate web of life and for maintaining balance on Shkagmigkwe (Mother Earth)."

"A pianist-painter who transforms each musical idea into a beautiful array of colours" (La Presse), Philip Chiu is acclaimed for his brilliant pianism, sensitive listening, and a stage presence that favours openness, authenticity, and connection with audiences.

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