Kobayashi Gray releases second CD Feminissimo
"Feminissimo!" is a mixture of romantic and contemporary character pieces and sonatas written by composers of Spanish, French, Norwegian, American, Polish and Czech heritages. The American works represent African-American and Jewish-American influences. The disc, produced by Albany Records, features nine compositions, including four world premier recordings from contemporary composers Elisenda Fábregas and Emma Lou Diemer, and by early 20th century composers Anna Priscilla Risher and Signe Lund. Other composers included are Gra?yna Bacewicz, Florence Price, Meira Warshauer, Pauline Viardot-Garcia and Vítezslava Kaprálová.
The Kobayashi/Gray Duo formed in 1990 at the University of Michigan where both musicians were completing doctoral degrees. In 1993, they toured South America and the West Indies as winners of the USIA Artistic Ambassador auditions. They continue to tour throughout the United States and abroad, performing standard repertoire as well as works by women composers. The artists are enthusiastically praised for their blending of brilliant technique, beautifully expressive musicianship, impeccable ensemble and stimulating programming.
Cover art for "Feminissimo!" is by Cathy Beard of Vermillion. Partial funding for the disc was provided by a Research Catalyst Grant from the USD Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The CD can be purchased at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, and at Schmitt Music or K&M Music in Sioux Falls, S.D. The disc is also available at www.amazon.com as well as at www.albanyrecords.com.
For more information, please visit the duo's My Space page at www.myspace.com/thekobayashigrayduo.