CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
This project, at its core, is about hope. “Resistance to the Stars” is a work by a Ukrainian composer whose life was tragically impacted by both World Wars. As such, it has a poignant relevance to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This project bears multiple layers of significance—in presenting the beauty of Bortkievicz’s music as well as inspiring hope for the Ukrainian people whom it represents, and who are suffering such dreadful atrocities.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
For the first time ever since its composition in 1927, a recording Bortkievicz’s piano concerto, “Rhapsody,” will be made available to the public. Also, we will record his unjustly overlooked piano concerto, “Per Aspera ad Astra.” The latter work is composed in a harmonic language and style similar to that of Mahler or Wagner. It is tremendously uplifting and ends triumphantly, complete with church bells—yet is virtually unknown today. We will bring to the public these works that have been neglected for almost one hundred years.
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Playing his music is very personal because one of my most memorable piano teachers was Ukrainian and through him, I found the freedom to express myself musically for the first time and this project is in a way paying homage to him.
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During my time in New York I made an unexpected discovery of the music of Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877- 1952) . His life was filled with misfortune—caught up in both World War I and II, as well as the Russian Revolution, he lost his family estate twice. He was deported from Berlin by the Nazis in 1933 and in 1935 he returned to Vienna.
Premiere (North America)
On April 29, 2023, as part of my dedication to this composer’s music and to supporting the Ukrainian people through celebration of this cultural treasure, I gave the North American premiere of Bortkiewicz' third piano concerto earlier this year. (Below is the video).
My CD (“One Letter”) with the Steinway Label of the composer’s solo works, several years in the making, came out this May and has been reviewed by Gramophone Magazine recently as “the most consistently beautiful Bortkiewicz recording in the catalogue” and “a must-add to your listening list” by American Record Guide. It has been broadcast by CBC National Radio, WQXR (featured the album as one of the top picks of the month), WRTI, Iowa public radio and others.
| ALBUM IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE - Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify |
Li-Cohen has the skills necessary to bring it off: a fluent legato and a refined sense of rubato and phrasing, coupled with an ability to bring out the subtle harmonic surprises.. Add to this her tonal richness and her exquisite balance, and you have performances that will keep you enthralled...Li-Cohen’s may be the most consistently beautiful Bortkiewicz recording in the catalogue.
- © 2023 Gramophone Magazine
Li-Cohen has selected a wide range of pieces, covering the entire compositional career of Bortkiewicz.. it gives the listener a beautifully played overview of this rather neglected composer. Li-Cohen has all of the technical and musical expertise for this selection of beautiful pieces. She can spin the softest legato phrase or build to exciting climaxes. The detailed inner voices are nicely balanced with the melodies. This is a must-add to your listening list..
- © 2023 American Record Guide
