Album Notes

ABOUT THE CD:

"This CD is brilliant!" The Mirage Ensemble has at last delivered a portable piece of their "je ne sais quois." The perfect musical accompaniment to captive hours on the highway or clandestine culinary expeditions in the kitchen, this CD is filled with wit, pathos and hauntingly beautiful melodies brought to life with uniquely theatrical flair. Indulge in this terrific sampler of music for soprano, clarinet and piano that is sure to delight.


"Aspects is an adventurous, original and attractive programme, beautifully performed, from this most imaginative and refined young ensemble."
- Michael Emery, Senior Producer, BBC Singers


ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE:

Take opera, theater, poetry and chamber music; add liberal amounts of wit and musical virtuosity; stir vigorously - and voila! - you have the Mirage Ensemble: a scrumptious combination of soprano, clarinet and piano. Hailed as "exceptional" and "as inventive as they are charming," the Mirage Ensemble presents chamber concerts of superb, vibrant and theatrically compelling music. Whether in concert halls, museums, wine cellars or under a tarp at a rainy outdoor festival, audiences embrace with palpable excitement the group's commanding rapport. Devotees of the classics and staunch advocates of contemporary music both find a home in the Mirage Ensemble's eclectic and strikingly beautiful repertoire. This is a group on the rise, defining with each appearance its own particular blend of polish, accessibility and innovation.


WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

"The Mirage Ensemble presents programs of a challenging and entertaining repertoire spanning three centuries. Their well-polished and energetic performances come to life with a freshness and striking accessibility. This trio is a tight-knit, bright group of musicians, who meet the challenges of their demanding repertoire with wonderful technique and easy charm. I recommend their concerts highly - they are enlightening and lots of fun."
- Jonathan Khuner, Artistic and Musical Director, Berkeley Opera; Assistant Conductor, Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera.


"Exceptional"..."as inventive as they are charming"
- Marin Independent Journal


"Karen Hall's vibrant voice is a delight."
- San Francisco Examiner


"Robert Bailis' memorable debut performance in London, doubtless the first of many appearances in this country, was the highlight of our summer season."
- Matthew Greenall, Director, British Music Information Centre


"Hadley McCarroll is one of the most expressive pianists I have heard. She is a technically intuitive and sensitive musician who plays magnificently with her trio, The Mirage Ensemble."
- Matthias Kuntzsch, Conductor: Frankfurt Conservatory of Music and Hamburg Conservatory of Music; Artistic/Music Director: B.A.S.O.T.I.


ASPECTS:

"Six Japanese Songs" (1985) by Margaret Garwood (b.1927)
"Drei Lieder" (1843) by Gottfried Herrmann (1808-1878)
"Three Songs for Soprano and Clarinet in A" (1931) by Gordon Jacob (1895-1984)
"Two Old Birds" (1957) by Jacob Avshalomov (b.1919)
"Selections from Bits and Pieces" (1991) by Seymour Barab (b.1921)
"Parto, ma tu ben mio" (1791) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)