Ian Parker releases second CD Moonlight Fantasies on Azica label

Canadian pianist Ian Parker has just released his second solo recording, "Moonlight Fantasies" on the Azica label. This CD features the sonatas of Beethoven (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, "Moonlight"; No. 13 in E flat major), with Schumann's Fantasie in C major, Op. 17 and Chopin's Fantasy in F minor, Op. 49. The Wholenote described Ian's playing on this recording as "a delight. Beethoven's two sonatas ... show a polished and sensitive approach ...the ... Schumann combines a technical brilliance with deeply-rooted sensitivity."

All works feature the free, improvisational qualities typical of fantasies; both of the Beethoven sonatas are marked with the instructions "quasi una fantasia" ("almost a fantasy") as neither follows the traditional sonata pattern. Beethoven was already looking ahead to the freedom of the Romantic era. "I did this recording to explore some of the liberties of tempo and romantic notions that Beethoven explored so boldly, which lead right into the Romantic era. And besides, playing fantasies and indulging in the emotions behind the notes of this repertoire is so much fun!" explains the artist.

Down-to-earth and articulate both in English and French, Ian Parker captivates audiences everywhere. He has appeared with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Calgary Philharmonic, Cincinnati, CBC Vancouver, Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom, Edmonton Symphony, Greenwich Symphony, Honolulu Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Mobile Symphony, National Symphony, Quebec Symphony, and the symphonies of Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg, among others.

Ian Parker also loves giving recitals, and speaks easily from the stage. He has performed across the United States, Western Europe, Israel, and throughout Canada on tours with Debut Atlantic and Jeunesses Musicales du Canada. He made his Lincoln Center recital debut at the Walter Reade Theater in 2004 and moderates a new recital series in Vancouver for the introduction of young artists.

Mr. Parker was invited to collaborate with the internationally renowned Vogler Quartet during its twentieth anniversary tour in 2005-06 throughout the US and Canada. Following the tour's tremendous success, he was invited to join them again for several concerts in the spring of 2006, as well as an extensive North American tour the following season.

A fan of Asian food, collecting fine wine, and shopping, Ian divides his time between Vancouver and New York City.

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