Signed in 2017 to Decca Classics, the summer of 2017 has seen the recording of the first album of this partnership with the London Philharmonic as a succession to his previous three critically acclaimed albums on SONY, the first of which (“Virtuoso”) received an ECHO Klassik Award. Initially coming to attention via the Yehudi Menuhin (2008) and Queen Elizabeth (2009) Competitions, of which he was First Prize winner, he has built a profile in Europe, Asia, and the USA as well as his native Australia both live and on disc. Beyond the performing arts, his work has also contributed to philanthropy, popular culture and educational technology. With a global reach that enhances and inspires a new classical audience, Ray Chen's remarkable musicianship transmits to millions around the world, reflected through his engagements both online and with the foremost orchestras and concert halls around the world. Violinist and online personality, Ray Chen redefines what it means to be a classical musician in the 21st century. 3 to evoke the feeling of hope before finally finishing with a familiarly joyful Gavotte en Rondeau yet the overall atmosphere reflect the changed times. 2 titled simply: Allegro. The album concludes with two of the most delicate Bach movements, Largo from his C Major Sonata No. This evolves into the frustration of trying to find the end of the thread which is expressed through Ray’s surrendering of Bach’s A minor Sonata No. The Sarabande from his D minor Partita greets our senses with darkness and vulnerability, faced with the feeling of loneliness. 1 follows, meandering and searching for truth through a filter of anxious worry. 3, Ray sets out a familiar sense of joy and connection. Opening with Preludio from Bach’s E Major Partita No. The violinist has selected six of Bach’s movements to represent the personal and powerful feelings he has experienced during this year. He sourced the best recording equipment possible and remotely enlisted the help of record producer Jonathan Allen to handle the logistics of installing and setting up his ‘studio’ to perfection. To achieve ‘Solace’, Ray built a professional studio from scratch in his very own home. Bach’s music, in particular, written so far ahead of its time, reminds us of an important message: that humanity struggles onwards despite the odds.” The events of 2020 which brought the world to a standstill have also created a time for self-reflection, and a renewed appreciation of the power of music. Ray explains, “ Music heals the soul, it calms us, centres us, and creates focus in our lives.
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