This is the Colour of My Dreams Shauna Rolston, cello CBC Radio Orchestra;  Mario Bernardi CBC Records SMCD 5214

There are no superlatives adequate to apply to Shauna Rolston nowadays. The Canadian cellist and University of Toronto instructor has gone from strength to strength since she eclipsed rival Ofra Harnoy in the early 1990’s, and this recent CBC records release continues the procession of excellent work.

Four prominent Canadian composers are featured on this disc, leading off with Kelly-Marie Murphy’s title track. Murphy described this work akin to a dream where scenarios become less comfortable as they progress, with the cello representing the dreamer and the orchestra the scenarios. It’s nearly ten minutes of masterful writing. Chan Ka Nin’s Soulmate, in its third arrangement, this time for cello and orchestra, receives its definitive reading.

Confessional by Christos Hatzis, based on a Byzantine chant, is another superb work from this composer. Fluid lines caress the listener so that the ending seems to come all too soon.

Heather Schmidt’s Cello Concerto is a tour de force for both soloist and orchestra, in the traditional three movements.

Bernardi and the CBC Radio Orchestra are worthy accomplices in this recording. The clear acoustic environment of the Chan Centre in Vancouver makes its subtle contribution. A veritable who’s who of CBC personalities, including Karen Wilson, David Jaeger and Don Harder, are credited with this production. At 67 minutes running time, this is one great CD.

John S. Gray

Editor’s Note: Heather Schmidt’s Cello Concerto is one of the five JUNO nominees in the category “Best Classical Composition”.