STANLEY GRILL
and I paint stars with wings...
innova 047
726708604721
CAMERATA PHILADELPHIA | Stephen Framil conductor, cello
Brett Douglas Deubner viola | Peggy Pei-Ju Yu soprano
THE FOUR ELEMENTS
01 Earth 8:34
02 Air 6:56
03 Water 3:09
04 Fire 5:05
Brett Douglas Deubner, viola
PAVANNE TO A WORLD WITHOUT WAR
05 Moderato 8:29
IN PRAISE OF REASON
06 Adagio; Moderato 8:32
07 Allegro 6:17
Stephen Framil, cello
Trish Giangiulio & Jonathan Clark, horns
MYSTICAL SONGS (Fernando Rielo)
08 Introduction 1:53
09 Corre 2:17
10 Intermezzo I 1:01
11 Alli 3:51
12 Intermezzo II 2:26
13 Tu eres la brisa 3:28
14 Intermezzo III 1:12
15 Un arbol tan callado 3:37
Peggy Pei-Ju Yu, soprano
Brett Douglas Deubner, viola
66:47
STANLEY GRILL
Raised in the Bronx, Stan has been obsessed with music since the age of six, when his mother took him to Carnegie Hall and he was astonished and awestruck by a performance of “La Mer.” While that obsession first took the form of playing piano at every possible moment (when not otherwise engaged in activities typical of a kid growing up in the Bronx of the 1950’s and ‘60s), it was Stan’s music theory studies at the Manhattan School of Music that converted that obsession to writing music – and to finding his own musical voice.
He learned the craft from extraordinary musicians: among others - Robert Helps, Leon Kushner, Ursula Mamlok and Joseph Prostakoff. Stan’s passion for Medieval and Renaissance music has greatly influenced his writing - a contemporary expression of ageless techniques based on melody, modal harmonies, and contrapuntal, extended, interweaving lines. Two main themes permeate many of his works - music composed in an attempt to translate something about the nature of the physical world, and music composed to inspire and promote world peace.
Stan’s music has been performed the world over – from Ecuador to Poland; Toulouse to Tokyo; Brooklyn to Vienna – by such artists as Camerata Philadelphia, Camerata Arkos, Englewinds, the Pandolfis Consort, the Bronx Arts Ensemble, One World Symphony, violists Brett Deubner and Ralph Farris, and violinist Jorge Avila.
Other recordings of Stan’s music, also available on Innova Recordings: At the Center of All Things, with string quartets performed by the Diderot String Quartet and Rustling Flights of Wings, with songs performed by soprano Nancy Allen Lundy, pianist Stephen Gosling and violinist Ralph Farris.
“As I see it, as much as we strive to find reason and purpose in our having been born into this amazing, mysterious and awe-inspiring universe, that attempt is largely futile. It is however, the best part of our nature that obliges us to make the attempt, though the most we can hope for is to gain some small degree of understanding of the world around us, and, more importantly, of ourselves. To achieve this, we each approach the problem in our own way, uniquely shaped by our cultural background, innate talents and abilities, education and so on. For some, science may be the window through which they best perceive and interpret the world, for others, religion. For those to whom the world seems to express itself most clearly and beautifully through sound, music is the voice that speaks to us and through which we, in turn, most effectively express ourselves. The best of my music has arrived, rather inexplicably, as part of a personal effort to understand the world and myself. It is, in a way, an act of translation. The world says something, I try to understand it, and then translate it into musical language. The particular musical language which I speak, is, of course, a product of my conservatory training and personal musical tastes, but hopefully, the outcome, imperfect a translation as it may be, will convey to others something of its original intent.”
— Stan Grill
THE ARTISTS
Dr. Stephen Framil has performed as concert soloist, chamber musician and conductor around the world: including Carnegie Weill & Avery-Fisher Halls (New York), Verizon Hall (Philadelphia), Hong Kong City Hall, with the Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra (Hungary), Volgograd Philharmonic Orchestra (Russia), Latvian Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (Italy Tour 2007), Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (Philippines), National Philharmonic of Moldova, Oltenia State Filarmonica (Romania), Zaporozhye Symphony Orchestra (Ukraine), Vratza Philharmonic Orchestra (Bulgaria), Viêt Nam National Symphony Orchestra, Bombay and Bangalore Chamber Orchestras (India), Redlands Symphony Orchestra (CA), Nashville Chamber Orchestra (TN), Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series (“Live” Broadcast on WFMT - Chicago), Brunei Music Society, and the Hong Kong Chamber Music Society, among others. Stephen Framil is the Music Director & Conductor of CAMERATA PHILADELPHIA, Artistic Director of the Port City Music Festival (North Carolina), and Director of Orchestra & Strings at Eastern University (Pennsylvania).
Brett Douglas Deubner, one of this generation’s most accomplished violists, has inspired worldwide critical acclaim for his powerful intensity and sumptuous tone. Since his debut with the Grammy award-winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra where he gave the world premiere of a concerto written for him by multiple Grammy award-winning composer Lalo Schifrin, the American violist has gone on to perform world wide as soloist with over 70 orchestras in 12 countries on 5 continents to unanimous approval for “the warmth and sparkling” quality of his playing (Doblinger Press, Vienna). Since then, he has received 43 viola concerti dedicated to him and over 100 works for viola, more than any living violist. Recent performances as soloist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, Knoxville Symphony, the Missoula Symphony, the Orquesta Sinfonica de Heredia in Costa Rica, the National Symphony of Ecuador, the Orquesta Sinfonica de Loja, the State Symphony of Medelin in Venezuela, the Thuringer Symphoniker of Germany, the Orchestre Bell’Arte of Paris, France and the Kiev Camerata of Ukraine have garnered universal praise for his rare ability to communicate with audiences. As a chamber music collaborator, Deubner has performed with Pinchas Zukerman, Joseph Kalichstein, Andre Michel-Schub, the Tokyo Quartet, Vermeer Quartet, Colorado Quartet as well as clarinetists Guy Deplus, Alexander Fiterstein and flutists Ransom Wilson and Carol Wincenc. He was the founder of the Elements Quartet based in New York City which premiered new works by Lucas Foss, David Del Tredici, and David Sampson. These collaborations have taken him to the Kent-Blossom Festival, Norfolk, the Round Top Festival, as well as festivals throughout Europe, North and South America. In 2015, the United States House of Representatives awarded Deubner the “Certificate of Congressional Recognition for his commitment to cultural and musical exchange. Brett Douglas Deubner currently serves on the string faculty of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in New York City as well as a viola artist at the Round Top Festival Institute in Texas. He makes regular guest appearances at festivals worldwide.
Peggy Pei-Ju Yu. Cited for her clear, bell-like voice, Taiwan born soprano Pei-Ju (Peggy) Yu is a freelance soprano living and working in the Philadelphia area. She received her Master’s degree in Voice Performance and a full scholarship on Professional Studies certificate from Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music, where she studied with Benita Valente and was coached by Valery Ryvkin and Donna Gill. Operatic roles performed by Ms. Yu include Norina in Don Pasquale, Euridice in Orfeo ed Euridice, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Suor Genovieffa in Suor Angelica, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Papagena in Die Zauberflöte, and Giannetta in L’elisir d’amore, Violetta from La Traviata, Maria from West Side Story, Mariza from Gräfin Mariza, Hänna from Die Lustige Witwe, Gilda from Rigoletto, Giulietta from I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Héro from Béatrice et Bénédict, Despina from Così fan tutte, Ellen from David Carpenter’s Age of Innocence, and Ilia from Idomeneo. In recent years, Ms. Yu has developed a strong interest in performing church music, chamber music and contemporary music. Composers with whom she has collaborated include: David Bryant, Stanley Grill, Ron Matthews, Annie Neikirk, Andrew Litts, Daniel Fox, Ryan Olivier, and David Carpenter.
CAMERATA PHILADELPHIA is an ensemble without musical boundaries. From orchestral to chamber music, lieder to choral to opera – CAMERATA not only brings a fresh interpretation to the venerated classics, but also seeks to bridge the styles of classical, jazz, folk and world music. Committed to music appreciation for all ages, it is the mission of CAMERATA to make the experience of great music accessible to all. With Music Director Stephen Framil (cellist & conductor), CAMERATA has performed throughout the United States, toured China, and is the ensemble-in-residence at the Port City Music Festival (North Carolina), Holy Trinity Rittenhouse Square (Philadelphia), and Eastern University (Pennsylvania). Artistic collaborations include the Philadelphia Boys Choir, the International Opera Theater of Philadelphia, the West Philadelphia Orchestra, and an array of internationally renowned concert soloists and chamber musicians. CAMERATA programs and projects include the Port City Music Festival, Camerata Youth Orchestra & Ensemble, domestic/international concert tours, CelloFeast / ChamberFeast, and recordings of new music of today’s composers. Stanley Grill is CAMERATA’s composer-in-residence. CAMERATA PHILADELPHIA INC is a tax deductible non-profit 501(c)(3).
Violin I: Luigi Mazzocchi, Alexandra Cutler-Fetkewicz, Michelle Bishop, Luis Cuevas
Violin II: Gared Crawford, Carlos Rubio, Carole Armstrong, Natalie Rudoi, Manuela Romero
Viola: Petula Perdikis, Maria Mazzocch, Freddy Contreras
Violoncello: Branson Yeast, Gozde Tiknaz, Colin Hartwick
Double Bass: Miles Davis, Anne Peterson
Horn: Trish Giangiulio, Jonathan Clark
THE MUSIC
Pavanne (for a world without war) is a work composed after having made a decision that my music needed to serve another purpose besides the obvious one of touching the hearts of those who listened to it. However unlikely of success, that purpose is the achievement of world peace. That cause seemed to be making some, albeit small, progress through the latter part of the 20th century. The end of the Cold War that I grew up with, with its threat of imminent mutual destruction, was an enormous step forward. However, more recent events have been terribly discouraging, with America, despite its great wealth and strength, seeming to be incapable of taking a leadership role in the cause of peace. Instead, America seems set on exacerbating the tensions that could potentially lead, once again, to worldwide conflict.
I believe the majority of people throughout the world desire nothing more than to live in peace and safety. If that desire is kindled sufficiently, than perhaps it would be enough to overcome the will of that powerful minority for whom violence is beneficial. This music is dedicated to encouraging the spirit of non-violence in those who hear it.
The Four Elements. This music is intended to represent the spirit of the four ancient elements – earth, air, water and fire. It was composed at the request of violist Brett Deubner, to whom, for his avid interest in my music, it is gratefully dedicated.
Mystical Songs. Commissioned by the Universidad Technica Particular de Loja, this music sets four poems by Fernando Rielo - mystical poet, philosopher, author, metaphysician. The poems I selected share common images – birds, wings, branches, wind – that seemed to me to vividly capture in symbolic language a sense of wonderment in the way the forms of the world are but representations of higher ideals – and ultimately, love.
In Praise of Reason. This music was started in the weeks leading up to the 2012 Presidential election – and the title came first, born in reaction to the lack of reason evident in the political discourse (if it can be called that) that preceded Election Day. If only the beautiful logic that is found in music carried over into the rest of life.
THE POEMS – FERNANDO RIELO
Corre
Corre que corre el beso
Y a la avecilla coge.
Beso. No seas travieso…
No ves que puedes
herir su ala…
y ella caer
al suelo?….
Alli
Alli, donde las ramas
Se abrazan....
Y yo pinto luceros
Con alas...
Alli, donde los jazmines
Se besan...
Y las lagrimas
Se cansan....
Alli, donde las brisas
A las hojas cantan...
Y yo hago
Sus ramas...
Alli, soy yo
Con mi avecilla...
No toques,
Oh brisa,
Mi avecilla!
Su miguita de pan
De cada mañana...
Soy yo!
...y ella
mi sonrisa.
Tu eres la brisa
Tu eres la brisa que you viví
Aquel día.
Aquel día que yo te conoci
Entre avecillas.
Avecillas que se doraban,
Cuando tu besabas mis dormidas alas.
Y yo te decia...
Ven mañana!
Un arbol tan callado
Un arbol tan callado
A tanto vientos
Que pasaron...
Una tortolita tan amada
De tantas ramas
Que cayeron...
Ramas que un día
La mecieron
Y se doraba en hojas,
Cuando la tarde aparecia...
Ramas si que un día
Esperaron en vano
El retorno de sus alas...
Es tu risa.
Tu ris que bebi,
Porque vi tus plumas en la mar,
Y en su caido vuelo,
Tu alma remontar
La otra orilla de mi vida.
Run
The kiss runs and runs
And catches the little bird
Kiss. Don’t be
mischievous...
Don’t you see that you might
Wound her wing...
And she fall down
To the ground?...
There
There, where the branches
embrace...
And I paint
bright stars
With
wings...
There, where the jasmines
Kiss...
And my
tears
Tire...
There, where the breezes
To the leaves sing...
And I make
Their
branches...
There am I
With my little bird...
Don’t touch
O breeze,
My little
bird!
Her breadcrumb
Of each morning...
Am I!
And she is
My smile.
You Are the Breeze
You are the breeze that I lived
That day.
That day when I met you
Among little birds.
Little birds that would turn gold
When You would kiss my sleeping wings.
And I would
say to you...
Come tomorrow!
A Tree So Quiet
A tree so quiet
Before so many winds
That passed...
A little turtledove so beloved
Of so many branches
That fell...
Branches that one day
Rocked her
And she would turn gold in leaves
When the afternoon would appear...
Yes branches that one day
Awaited in vain
The return of her wings...
Is your
laughter.
Your laughter that I drank,
Because I saw your feathers on the sea,
And in their fallen flights,
Your soul soar over
The other shore of my life.
OTHER STRING ORCHESTRA WORKS
BY STANLEY GRILL
Morning Music (2001)
Two Sad Songs (2002)
Ophelia Songs (2005)
Love’s Little Pleasures (2008)
Meditations (2006)
Motet (2008)
Trance Music (2014)
THE RECORDING
Produced by Ralph Farris
Recorded at Morningstar Studios,
East Norristown, PA
Recorded, Edited, and Mixed by
Randall Crafton of Kaleidoscope Sound, Union City, NJ
Additional recording by Kyle Cassel
Additional editing by Corin Lee
Mastered by Randall Crafton
Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA,
R. Wade et al.
Stan Grill’s Publishing:
SG Music Publications
ASCAP: #572328152
Stan Grill gratefully acknowledges those who helped make this recording possible:
Camerata Philadelphia, Stephen Framil, Brett Deubner, Peggy Pei-Ju Yu, Philip Blackburn, Chris Campbell, Renee Alberts, and everyone I know of loving and kind spirit who kindles my faith in music.
On the web:
stangrillcomposer.com
stephenframil.com
camerataphiladelphia.org
brettdeubner.com
morningstarstudios.com
kaleidoscopesound. com
ralphfarris.com
Innova is supported by an endowment from the McKnight Foundation.
Philip Blackburn, Director, Design
Chris Campbell, Operations Director
Tim Igel, Publicist
Innova.mu