Mimi Stillman New Album Release & Review
A brief history of this album
Zhou Tian's Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, written for me, was commissioned by a consortium of seven American orchestras. I gave the world première in 2022 with "The President's Own" Marine Chamber Orchestra and Director Col. Jason Fettig. It was a great honor and pleasure to make music with the extraordinary Jason Fettig and musicians of the Marine Chamber Orchestra. The project grew out of my longstanding, fruitful friendship with Zhou Tian, a Grammy-nominated composer and fellow Curtis Institute of Music graduate. We had collaborated on several other pieces, recordings, and commissions, including his compelling Viaje, originally for flute and string quartet which I premiered with the Dover Quartet and then toured with and recorded in additional versions for Dolce Suono Trio and with string orchestras. The project grew organically out of mutual admiration and a kinship of ideas about music, and the result is this phenomenal flute concerto.
1–4. Zhou Tian: Concerto for Flute and Orchestra1. Irises
2. Capriccio
3. Arioso
4. Toccata
Mimi Stillman, soloistAlbum to download on "The President's Own" website
1. Why did you record this CD?
When then-Director Col. Jason Fettig invited me to record Zhou Tian's flute concerto with him and the Marine Chamber Orchestra, I was thrilled. It is especially meaningful to be included in Aspire: "The President's Own at 225," a double album celebrating the 225th anniversary of "The President's Own." Volume 1 is devoted to works for band, and Volume 2, on which our recording of Zhou Tian's concerto appears, features solo works with orchestra. All the works on both volumes were written or arranged for "The President's Own" and highlight Fettig's and the organization's impressive contributions to the repertoire through commissioning. We made the recording one year after the world première, and when we got together again it felt as fresh as the première was yesterday!
Before he started to compose the work, Zhou Tian asked me to send him recordings of my favorite flute works and flute moments of other works. I naturally sent him tons of favorite pieces, many in my own recordings. I realized through this process that some of my favorite moments were about music that speaks to me more than specifically about flute techniques. Our discussions broadened into deeper issues of musical language in addition to how my instrument most effectively ‘speaks.’3.Facts about the project?
Mimi Stillman’s latest release, "The President's Own," stands as a remarkable fusion of artistic mastery. This recording, featuring the Marine Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Col. Jason Fettig, showcases the world premiere of Zhou Tian’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra. Stillman’s interpretation is nothing short of exquisite, underscoring her status as one of today’s premier flutists.
From the opening notes, Stillman’s command of the flute is evident. Her tonal purity, lyrical phrasing, and nuanced control bring Zhou Tian’s concerto to life. The work itself is a dynamic exploration of the flute’s expressive potential, and Stillman’s performance highlights every subtlety and flourish. She navigates complex passages with effortless grace, balancing technical brilliance with emotive depth. The piece requires not only agility and precision but also an ability to convey deep emotion, which Stillman does with remarkable artistry.
Zhou Tian’s concerto is complemented perfectly by the Marine Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Col. Jason Fettig. The ensemble’s sensitivity to Stillman’s phrasing and the concerto’s ever-changing moods is impressive. There’s a palpable synergy between Stillman and the orchestra, as Fettig directs with clarity and precision. The musicians of "The President's Own" prove themselves capable of both delicate interplay and powerful statements, providing a lush and dynamic backdrop for Stillman’s virtuosic performance.
Zhou Tian is a composer known for his ability to blend Eastern and Western influences seamlessly, and this concerto is no exception. The work feels both timeless and fresh, drawing on classical forms while incorporating modern harmonies and rhythms. Stillman’s interpretation brings out the nuances in Zhou’s writing, from the sweeping melodic lines to the intricate rhythmic patterns. The concerto feels both intimate and expansive, allowing the flute to shine while remaining deeply integrated into the orchestral texture.
The President's Own is more than just a performance—it’s a lasting contribution to the flute repertoire. Mimi Stillman’s dedication to expanding the possibilities of the flute is evident in her championing of contemporary works like Zhou Tian’s concerto. This recording not only adds a significant work to her impressive discography but also furthers her legacy as a trailblazer in the classical music world.
For those who appreciate the beauty of the flute, contemporary composition, or simply breathtaking musicianship, this release is essential listening. Mimi Stillman, Zhou Tian, Col. Jason Fettig, and the Marine Chamber Orchestra have created something truly special—a recording that will resonate with audiences for years to come.