Stella X Schubert
Platoon, 2023
9/10
The inimitable violinist Stella Chen is aligned with Henry Kramer’s piano for this debut album that embraces her love for Schubert across 4 very detailed pieces.
“Rondo in B minor D.895” starts the listen with Chen’s animated strings alongside the graceful, sometimes firm keys in the emotive and stirring climate, and “Fantasie in C Major, D. 934” follows with 4 chapters of melodic piano and heartfelt, gorgeous violin that emits a very heartfelt demeanor.
On the back half, “Sei mir gegrüsst, D.741” is full of cautious versus playful interaction between the lovely keys and poetic strings, and “Ständchen, D. 920” exits with a charming intimacy that allows both to showcase their respective strengths in a highly eloquent finish.
An excellent starting point for an artist who has already racked up some prestigious awards, Chen interprets the time honored compositions with a profound attention to detail.
Travels well with: Miriam K. Smith- Momentum; Apollo Chamber Players- MoonStrike