On Tuesday, July 19, I attended a wonderful violin recital given by Jorja Fleezanis, accompanied by Karl Paulnack, at the Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall on the Interlochen Campus. Ms. Fleezanis is professor of music for the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and was formerly the concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1989-2009. Mr Paulnack is a sought-after accompanist and performer with a resume much too long to list here.
The program included the Dvorak Romance, Op. 11, The Fountain of Arethusa, Op 30, No 1, by Szymanowski, Bartok's Sonata No. 2 , and, most notably, Beethoven's Sonata in G Major, Op 96. The entire program was fantastic! Ms. Fleezanis performed each piece with passion, depth, and artistic understanding. The Szymanowski, for me, was really cool. It provided an emotional rollercoaster that told the story of Arethusa through music and the interpretation was fantastic. But, as she began her performance of the Beethoven, I knew we were in for something special. Something prompted me to re-read her bio at the beginning of the work and I saw that she had recorded the complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas on Cypres Records with fortepianist, Cyril Huve, in 2003. It was simply magical. The depth of understanding and interpretation of this great work was palpable. She had such a clear vision of the work and its ups and downs, phrases, conversations, and direction. It was simply stunning and I was gripped from beginning to end of the work.
If you get a chance to see her in recital or pick up the recording of the Beethoven Sonatas, I high recommend that you do so! You will not be disappointed!
Peace,
Scott
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