Persichetti CD: "A joy!"

It's great when a review opens with: "What a joy to listen to this one!" Critic Dolf Mulder, writing in the Dutch publication Vital Weekly, finds "some truly charming and very enjoyable" music in Ellen Burmeister's "delicate and dedicated performance."

Ellen Burmeister

He concludes that these Persichetti piano "compositions are not outdated, but sound very fresh and full of sparkling surprises."

This new review follows other enthusiastic reviews in Audiophile Audition, American Record Guide, and Lucid Culture.

Persichetti CD Praised at American Record Guide

Another fine review of our Persichetti piano CD has appeared in the new issue of American Record Guide.

Pianist Ellen Burmeister "gives fine accounts of these pieces," writes Allen Gimbel, adding that "this release will be of interest to all students of this music." He also remarks that Piano Sonata 10 is "one of the great American piano sonatas."



It's a nice addition to the other enthusiastic reviews that have appeared at Audiophile Audition and Lucid Culture.

Read more about this Starkland CD.

"Genuine warmth" in Persichetti CD

Another favorable review for our new Persichetti CD has appeared at Lucid Culture, where they write, "It’s nice to finally see a digital release for this collection," adding "Starkland has brought it back with impressive attention to dynamics."

Regarding the Tenth Piano Sonata, they note, "Burmeister varies her attack deftly, through its serpentine dynamic shifts: nimble cadenzas, graceful legato lines, percussive clusters and the occasional rapidfire cascade."

And for the challenging Eleventh Piano Sonata, they write, "It’s not easy imbuing music this rigorous and acidic with genuine warmth, yet that’s what Burmeister achieved here, no small accomplishment."



Read more about Starkland's Persichetti CD.

Persichetti CD Praised at Audiophile Audition

Our new Persichetti CD recently received a fine review at Audiophile Audition. They conclude:

"An important reissue: Ellen Burmeister's performances are authoritative, and Starkland's remastering serves them well."

Read more about Starkland's Persichetti CD.

Persichetti Piano CD Released by Starkland

This new Starkland CD of piano works by Vincent Persichetti offers the only available recordings personally approved by the composer of his substantial Tenth and Eleventh Piano Sonatas. Performed by Persichetti specialist Ellen Burmeister, this long out-of-print reissue also presents the only current recording of the composer’s simple but charming Serenade No. 7.

It's available at Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes, and more.

Reviews of the original 1985 release praised the music, performance, and sound:

“Ellen Burmeister… exhibits a rich understanding of the composer’s mode of expression… The recorded sound is superb.”
– American Music

“A significant record… A welcome addition to the recorded catalogue of an important composer.”
– Audience

“Ellen Burmeister… plays with a warmth and delicacy… The superb recorded sound… offers a flattering showcase.”
– Fanfare

Persichetti was an ardent fan of the “wonderful pianist” Ellen Burmeister, writing, “I am pleased not only for her talents but also by her sound musicianship and dedication.” Upon hearing the original master tape, Persichetti sent an enthusiastic note of approval to producer Tom Steenland, noting that Burmeister “has done a fine job.”

The new CD’s booklet reissues the full LP notes on the music from both Persichetti and Burmeister.



Persichetti was one of the major figures in American music of the 20th century, both as a teacher and a composer. Among some 100 commissions were those from the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the St. Louis and Louisville Symphony Orchestras, Martha Graham Company, and the American Guild of Organists.

During his nearly four decades teaching at Juilliard, his students included Philip Glass, Thelonious Monk, Peter Schickele (P.D.Q. Bach), and Einojuhani Rautavaara.

Visit Starkland.