Sophie Shao, Cellist

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REVIEW

The Layers, Herschel Garfein

Marnie Breckenridge, soprano; Sophie Shao, Dave Eggar, cello; John Blacklow, Michael Brofman, Thomas Bagwell, piano (AcisAPL92317; 57:19)

“The Layers was commissioned by Sophie Shao, a much-lauded young cellist who is one of the most promising artists of her generation. Garfein tells us in the program notes that he thought of this project in unconventional terms from the start, conceiving of it as a theatrical work in which the cello would embody a particular character in a particular place. Garfein eventually settled upon the poem "The Layers" by Stanley Kunitz (1905-2006), a gifted writer who twice served as our nation's poet laureate. This poem is a breathtaking reflection on what it means to seek for life's meaning amid the mounting losses that are an inevitable part of the human journey.

The title of each of the three movements are derived from words in the poem. The title of the poem actually comes from this striking passage: "Live in the layers, not on the litter." The opening movement has an aching eloquence to it, with the cello given a soaring, singing line. The second movement features a bewitching juxtaposition of a similar sort of lyrical line laid atop a steadily throbbing piano accompaniment. For the final movement, Garfein has fashioned a delightful Klezmer tune in the time signature 5/4, which the composer aptly characterizes as "both steady and unpredictable." The work culminates in a spirit of well worn, somewhat melancholy hope. We have heard this kind of exquisitely bittersweet music from the composer before; he knows exactly how to strike this sort of deeply emotional chord. Sophie Shao's playing of this piece borders on the miraculous. Her tone is unfailingly gorgeous and deeply expressive. Has anybody ever made a cello sing more beautifully than this? Pianist John Blacklow is with her every step of the way, as though the two of them were sharing one musical mind.”

- Gregory Berg, The Journal of Singing, January/February 2024, National Association of Teachers of Singing