Angèle Dubeau & La PietàJohn Adams - Portrait (2011/2019) [Hi-Res]

After dedicating two notable Portraits recordings to Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, Angèle Dubeau now turns her attention to the world of John Adams, perhaps the most fundamentally American of contemporary composers.

"Just like the music of Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt, John Adams' music speaks to me. Bearing a particular imprint, it is music that captivates me, a complex creation but without the artifice of a composer who is becoming or has become history. I wanted also to propose compelling works, with different ensembles, like a musical portrait for my instrument.

I like its haunting rhythm, its communicative and frenetic energy, wondering where I might cast the anchor. I always enjoy working, polishing and refining the tone colours of music and La Pietà gives me the instrument, the possibility to shape this sound texture. Here, John Adams' music has inspired me, like a prism of colour and light.

In this musical visit, I have expressed my desire to go beyond, to grant myself an adrenaline rush called challenge. Truly, playing this music requires daring. This could be my most ambitious project with La Pietà! Here is John Adams - Portrait: Happy listening!" Angèle Dubeau

"Angele Dubeau and the Canadian ensemble La Pieta bring affection, precision, and a programme that makes a persuasive narrative from these three works which had yet to feature on one disc...In Shaker Loops the tone is of watchful expectation, prayerful simplicity and vibrant grace. La Pieta colours Adams's filament of sound delicately" (BBC Music Magazine)

"Shaker Loops, top notch. La Pieta's unstoppable rhythmic impetus is just what's needed to shake Adams's obstinate, tremulous melodic loops into being...there's absolute understanding between performer and composer as the performance motors towards its violently intense climax." (Classic FM Magazine)

Angèle Dubeau, violin
Louise Bessette, piano
La Pietà