Dear Camilla
Navona, 2025
8/10
Patrick Galvin’s violin and Jennifer Hou’s piano come together for songs that interpret Sibelius, Chopin, Sarasate, Chausson, Pärt, and Beach while paying homage to Galvin’s former teacher, Camilia Wicks.
Jean Sibelius’ “Souvenir, Op. 79” opens the listen with the graceful keys and skilled violin interacting with warmth and unpredictable ideas, and “Nocturne, Op 9 No. 2”, by Frédéric Chopin and Pablo de Sarasate, follows with the cozy strings and emotive keys that tug on the heartstrings.
In the middle, “Romanza Andaluza, Op. 22 No 1” radiates a playfulness thanks to the meticulous violin and mesmerizing piano of the Pablo de Sarasate original, while Ernest Chausson’s “Poème, Op. 25” offers intimacy in the bare and poetic climate.
“Fratres” and “Romance, Op. 23” exit the listen. The former, by Arvo Pärt, pairs quivering strings with dense keys, and the latter, by Amy Beach, finishes with an indeed romantic spirit that’s lush and stirring.
A very eloquent effort that touches on chamber and baroque ideas, Galvin and Hou’s talents are displayed here with much care and fluidity.
Travels well with: Reza Vali- The Darkness Of Fury; Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra- Convergence