Every year Schubert’s “Ave Maria” gets plenty of air time, especially during the holiday season. However, this arrangement is by a Russian composer, Vladimir Vavilov, who brings a haunting melody to the work. Where Schubert’s take is triumphant (borderline bombastic), Vavilov’s is eerie and mysterious, with a stylish 20th-century piano accompaniment that may owe its power to Vavilov’s artistry with guitar and lute.
Anita Dufresne’s voice, obviously trained, is wonderful for this work. Her operatic styling soars when it needs to, all the while remaining intimate and tender. Unfortunately this is the only recording of hers we can find, but we hope to hear more from her soon.
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And today we celebrate...