The Strad: ‘A dream finally realised’: Rachel Barton Pine on recording French chamber works with old friends
Rachel Barton Pine with Orion Weiss and the Pacifica Quartet (photo courtesy of the artists)
This month, Rachel Barton Pine and Cedille Records released a new album, her 25th on the label, of French music with the Pacifica Quartet and pianist Orion Weiss. French Impressions: Chamber Music by Chausson & Tailleferre consists of chamber works of various configurations by these two composers from turn-of-the-century and early mid-20th-century France. With French Impressions, Pine realizes a long-held dream. She tells correspondent Thomas May:
I love solo performances, whether concertos or recitals, because it’s a chance to explore and share my personal voice. On the other hand, playing chamber music helps me continue to grow as an artist by learning about colleagues’ ideas and trying them out. Being one part of a greater whole is musically rewarding in a different way. Blending in with one of my favourite ensembles, the Pacifica Quartet, was just as rewarding as I had always imagined.
For people who haven’t heard Tailleferre’s music, or maybe haven’t even heard of her at all, I hope that this taste of her output inspires people to seek out more of her works. I hope that everyone who hears our performances enjoys our interpretations.
