Flute Passion: Schubert Nadia Labrie & Mathieu Gaudet

• Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828): Arpeggione Sonata in A Minor, D. 821:
• 1Arpeggione Sonata in A Minor, D. 821: I. Allegro moderato (adapted for Flute and Piano)11:41
• 2Arpeggione Sonata in A Minor, D. 821: II. Adagio (adapted for Flute and Piano)04:03
• 3Arpeggione Sonata in A Minor, D. 821: III. Allegretto (adapted for Flute and Piano)08:39
• Ave Maria! – Ellen’s Gesang III, Op. 52, No. 6, D. 839:
• 4Ave Maria! – Ellen’s Gesang III, Op. 52, No. 6, D. 839 (arr. G. Gariboldi)05:50
• Heidenröslein, Op. 3, No. 3, D. 257:
• 5Heidenröslein, Op. 3, No. 3, D. 257 (adapted for Flute and Piano)01:36
• Schwanengesang, D. 957:
• 6Schwanengesang, D. 957: IV. Ständchen (adapted for Flute and Piano)03:55
• Die schöne Müllerin, Op. 25, D. 795:
• 7Die schöne Müllerin, Op. 25, D. 795: XI. Mein! (adapted for Flute and Piano)02:18
• 8Die schöne Müllerin, Op. 25, D. 795: XII. Pause (adapted for Flute and Piano)04:39
• 9Die schöne Müllerin, Op. 25, D. 795: II. Wohin? (adapted for Flute and Piano)02:03
• 10Die schöne Müllerin, Op. 25, D. 795: XIX. Der Müller und der Bach (adapted for Flute and Piano)04:17
• 11Die schöne Müllerin, Op. 25, D. 795: VI. Der Neugierige (adapted for Flute and Piano)03:35
• Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802:
• 12Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: I. Introduction02:43
• 13Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: II. Theme01:59
• 14Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: III. Variation I01:49
• 15Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: IV. Variation II01:50
• 16Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: V. Variation III02:57
• 17Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: VI. Variation IV01:57
• 18Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: VII. Variation V02:19
• 19Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: VIII. Variation VI02:38
• 20Introduction and Variations on Trockne Blumen in E Minor, D. 802: IX. Variation VII03:02
• Total Runtime01:13:50

Info for Flute Passion: Schubert

The works on this beautiful recording are transcriptions for flute and piano of Franz Schubert masterpieces, from “Heidenröslen,” a lied he composed as a fresh-faced 17-year- old, to “Ständchen,” written just prior to his premature death at the age of 31. The exquisite and expressive playing of flutist Nadia Labrie and pianist Mathieu Gaudet is seductive.

I have been thinking about this recording project for years. I have wanted to record Schubert’s most beautiful works ever since I played Introduction and Variations during my final exams at the Conservatoire over 20 years ago. In the intervening years, I read through the Arpeggione Sonata – a work that requires great breath control on flute – without ever having the opportunity to perform it. It remained a dream until the urge to expose listeners to this wonderful flute repertoire became simply too strong to resist. First of all, I needed a talented and virtuosic pianist, Introduction and Variations being extremely challenging for both instrumentalists. I immediately thought of Mathieu Gaudet, who is both passionate about Schubert and an old friend with whom I studied at Rimouski Conservatory. I discovered the Die Schöne Müllerin cycle, when it was my soundtrack during long nights studying natural sciences. I have always found this music inspiring, so I wanted to perform a flute and piano version of some of my favourites. Schubert’s music is so uplifting, so inspiring, so passionate – it taps into the soul, the voice, and the breath of life. I hope it will transport you. Enjoy! Nadia Labrie

The works on this recording are all related in some way to transcription, whether they be instrumental versions of vocal works, the flute transcription of a sonata for a now extinct instrument, or a keystone of the flute and piano repertoire, the Introduction and Variations, based on a lied theme. We thus embark on a discovery, or rediscovery, of these Franz Schubert masterpieces, from “Heidenröslen,” a lied he composed as a fresh-faced 17-year-old, to “Ständchen,” written just prior to his premature death at the age of 31.

Nadia Labrie, flute
Mathieu Gaudet, piano

Nadia Labrie
Before completing her master’s degree at Université de Montréal, Nadia graduated from the Québec conservatory of music with first-class honours and great distinction, and was awarded the Governor General’s Medal for outstanding academic performance. Nadia has received grants from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the FCAR fund. As a soloist, her repertoire includes the Concerto No. 2 by Mozart, the Concerto No. 7 by Devienne, the Concerto Tradicionuevo for flute, guitar and orchestra by Patrick Roux (commissioned Canadian Composition), the Fantaisie brillante sur Carmen by Borne, and her transcription of Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate, works that she has performed with ensembles such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de l’Estuaire, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra and the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. She toured North America, Europe, and Asia as principal flute of the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra. In that capacity, she worked with world-famous soloists including Anne-Sophie Mutter and James Ehnes, and with conductors such as Kurt Masur, Yoav Talmi, and Franz-Paul Decker.

Flautist Nadia Labrie is a member of Similia with her twin sister Annie Labrie, named “the world’s best flute and guitar duo” by Classical Guitar Magazine UK. She has recorded four Cds with Similia under the Analekta label (Cantabile, Nota del Sol, Fantasia, Dolce Vita). Nota de Sol won the 2004 Félix Award for Instrumental Album of the Year, awarded by ADISQ (the Quebec Recording Industry Association); and Fantasia was nominated for a 2006 Félix for Best Classical Recording. Since 1998, Similia has gained international recognition, performing some 500 concerts in Japan, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Mexico, Guatemala, United States, and Canada.

Guest appearances on numerous radio and television programs around the world, including broadcasts of her concerts on CBC Television and Radio (English and French), Bravo, the Biography Channel and CCTV (Asia), have raised Nadia’s profile. She has been passionate about sharing her love of music with music lovers of all cultures.

Nadia was also a judge at the Canadian Music Competition and was presented with an Emerging Citizen award from the Lieutenant-Governor of Québec and the president of Québec’s Canada Celebrations Committee, astronaut and federal MP Marc Garneau.

This album contains no booklet.