“Peace Piece”
Karen Bentley Pollick plays music by Swedish composer Ole Saxe
Peace Piece
by Karen Bentley
Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 14. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.The solo violin suite proclaims these rights through a musical journey in contrasting colors, illustrating the trials and tribulations of man in his evolution towards freedom while illuminating the joy of liberation and vision of a future world of peace and justice. “Užupis Constitution Song” is an artistic rendition of Human Rights, inspired by the self-proclaimed republic of Užupis in the center of the Lithuanian capital city Vilnius. The constitution grants citizens the right to be both happy or unhappy, to be idle and take care of cats and dogs, sometimes to be unaware of duties but never with a right to violence. ”Do not fight back! Do not surrender!” The Baroque introduction and postlude depict the river Vilnelė flowing by according to its own right in the constitution, echoing the grand epoch of old Vilnius. “Peace Piece” forms the focal point of our recording that embraces human ideals forging a path towards enduring world peace and harmony. Originally written for clarinetist Kjell Fageus in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the University of Södertörn, “Peace Piece” begins with instruments in conflict in a hectic7/4-9/4 balkan rhythm. Slowly the violin and viola, both masterly played by Karen with Ivan Solokov on piano, find ways of communication and understanding to culminate with joy and forgiveness in sincere peacemaking.
“Happy Birthday” is a funky arrangement of the beloved song for the same occasion with virtuosity from Karen on both string instruments and Ivan on piano.
Originally composed for clarinet and orchestra, “Daladans” was premiered in Birmingham, Alabama in the viola version by Karen with the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra in 2009. Justas Šervenikas joins Karen in a virtuosic piano reduction of the orchestral score. The folkmusic of Dalarna, Sweden springs forth in polska rhythm and intensifies with an arrangement of the traditional tune “Hjortingen” by famous fiddler Hjort Anders, born in 1865, followed by oriental rhythms heralding new times of integration and multicultural collaboration.
“Tango Orientale”, also originally composed for clarinet, is performed here by Karen on viola and Ivan on piano. Kjell Fageus and his sextet toured Argentina with “Tango Orientale” that fuses the latin source with oriental flavors. From the CD ”Amberwood” with Karen and Ivan.
“Rhumba de la Luna” was recorded at Skywalker Ranch and released on “Dancing Suite to Suite” as part of Ole’s earlier suite for solo violin and viola, honored at the 2004 Just Plain Folks Music Awards. This full moon rhumba depicts a sultry and mellow mood.
“Faith”, originally for clarinet and cello on the CD “Relaxation for Soul and Heart” is performed by Karen on viola with Volkmar Zimmermann on guitar. Time to meditate and explore our inner core of universal stillness and faith.
Tracks 1 – 5 recorded at Siljansnas Church in Sweden; Tracks 6, 7 & 10 recorded in Vilnius at Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania on Fazioli F308; Tracks 8 & 9 recorded in Evergreen, Colorado at Ariel View on Fazioli F212; Track 11 recorded in Shoal Creek, Alabama on Fazioli F212; Track 12 recorded at Skywalker Ranch in California; Track 13 recorded at Ole Saxe’s Studio in Siljansnäs. Special thanks to Brad Smalling @ Evergroove Studio.
Violin by Jean Baptiste Vuillaume 1862 * Viola by William Whedbee 1987 * Background photo of a 2 meter bronze dove by artist Gudmar Olovson on Ingrid Bergman’s Swedish island with inscription: ”Peace, our dream!”