Saga of reflective perspectives

The Saga of Reflective Perspectives: a musical voyage through the 19th and 20th centuries reflecting the evolution of the perspective “popular music” which evolved from the “classical masters” such as Chopin, Ravel, Fauré, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Bernstein and more. Featured in the project are some of Switzerland’s multicultural musical talents, savvy in both classical and jazz genres. "
Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu composed in 1834 is a stunning adventure. I love the motion and movement as well as the vision it immediately creates. In 1918 this song would become one of the most famous songs of all time. In 1941, the rendition of Judy Garland and her unforgettable interpretation in Broadway’s “Ziegfield Girls” gave this song an “evergreen status” that will last forever. This song was written originally for piano and has been exquisitely arranged for this ensemble by our arranger and guitarist Slawomir Plizga (“Slawek”); he has given it new life. Reverie, composed by Claude Debussy in 1880 was beautifully transformed into a popular and masterful composition in 1938. The rendition, called My Reverie brought this cross-over music to the masses… so innocent, yet with a touch of eroticism. Aprés Un Rêve by the most sensitive Gabriel Fauré, although composed in 1878 to this day its timeless and moving melody guides us through this dream sequence wishing that it would never end. Sometimes exhilarating and sometimes pensive but always hoping to experience this love again and again. The Libertango from Astor Piazolla’s classic tango was composed in 1974 and was even more popular when the androgynous Grace Jones brought it to the “disco floors” around the world with her interpretation and lyrics, titled Strange in 1984. Chopin’s Etude in E Major Op. 10 Tristesse composed in 1829 was a part of many of his etudes. However, this lovely melody was luxuriously transformed to a warm and heartfelt love song. It touches me deeply in its simplicity, arranged beautifully by Brigitte Dietrich. Somewhere, from the most wonderful composer, pianist and conductor Leonard Bernstein has always been one of my favorite American compositions. Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim wrote this for the 1961 production of “West Side Story”. It always brings forth a feeling of hope, inspiration and aspirations. Maurice Ravel’s Pavane was composed in 1899 and part of a dance suite “Pavane pour une infante défunte”. The evolution of its popular counterpart The Lamp Is Low is a masterful piece, very warm and haunting… full of romance and imagery. Danny Boy, an Irish traditional lament that we all sang around the piano at my Grand Ma and Grand Dad’s house… I just love it! Having this vision come to fruition is a blessing and a labor of love, a pleasure and a feeling of ultimate gratefulness. It warms my heart to have these wonderful musicians and engineer share this vision with so much talent, patience, enthusiasm, and love… Thank you all. Remembering always my Uncle Ben (Benjamin F. Gray, Concert Pianist) my mentor and constant inspiration". Sandy Patton