WITH WILLIAM STECK, Violin

MARTINON: Duo, Musique en forme de Sonate, Op. 47 (1953)
DELLO JOIO: Variations and Capriccio (1948)
RESPIGHI: Sonata in si minor
(1916-17)
Gasparo. Compact Disc: GSCD-264

The Martinon, Dello Joio, and Respighi works were all recorded by William Steck and Lambert Orkis in 1987. This compact disc was released in November, 1999.

These three works were written in the twentieth century, are tonally based, and are all very accessible to audiences. The earliest piece, the Respighi, replete with beautiful romantic harmonies and melodies, is a virtuosic tour de force, both individually and as an ensemble work. Jean Martinon (born 1910), a French composer and conductor, has written a four-movement duo which contains material that is progressive while at the same time maintaining conservative characteristics. The only American composer presented on this disc is Normal Dello Joio. His music as represented here is simpler in nature than the other two works. The composer used the form of the piece to present interesting treatments of the motivic material, utilizing dance rhythms in several variations.

William Steck has been Concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, DC since 1982, under Musical Directors Mstislav Rostropovich and Leonard Slatkin.

"[The Martinon Duo is] a bold, colorful exciting piece with plenty of panache and energy...''

''...it's a pleasure to welcome Martinon's 24-minute, four-movement 1953 Duo to the catalog in what is apparently its first recording."

Home || Musical Life || Recordings || What's New || Keys to the Future || Photo Page
Letter Box || Links

© copyright 1999 Lambert Orkis || Design by Reed Web Design || If you experience any problems with this site, please contact the Webmaster