Fantasy on St. Cecilia

“…Having commissioned composer Judith Shatin to rework her piano concerto “The Passion of St. Cecilia” into a solo version, Henry performed the new piece, “Fantasy on St. Cecilia” in its world premiere at this recital. Opening with spine-tingling lower register reverberations, the piece seemed little more than a presentation of slightly outdated ideas. However, any initial concerns were dispelled as it progressed into a complex, impressionistic middle section and a very satisfying resolution. Shatin’s ideas are far from time-worn, and she presents them in a unique and riveting manner… “