Jason Solounias: Dreams and Images

These are musical works that evoke abstract or specific images encapsulated by the structural boundaries set forth by the composer. Each piece has a single musical thread which weaves a tapestry of moods and feelings - similar to a singular theme unifying the unfolding scenes of a dream. Fantasy by Mendelssohn and Sonata No. 2 by Rachmaninoff demonstrate this on two scales, small and large. Each is a multi-movement work (a set of three interrelated smaller pieces), but the composers abandon the convention of pausing between the movements. Rachmaninoff goes further, writing transitional music to bridge movements. This highlights the fantastical nature of the music. By contrast, the pieces by Debussy and Liszt invoke specific images and places chosen by the composer.

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Fantasy in F-sharp minor Op.28

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

Images Book 1

I. Reflets dans l'eau (Reflections in the water)

II. Hommage à Rameau (Tribute to Rameau)

III. Mouvement (Movement)

Franz Liszt (1811-1886)

Les cloches de Geneve (The Bells of Geneva)

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor

Jason Solounias has performed across the United States and Europe, ranging from the Kennedy Center to Southwark Cathedral, including performances at Millennium Stage, the Lincoln Theater, Steinway Society of Puerto Rico, An Die Musik, Duomo di Almalfi, Junior Soto Recital Hall, The Arts Club of Washington, WETA, Church of Epiphany Concert Series, and the Lisner Auditorium. He has collaborated with 6821 Quintet, The Tango Cammerata and has appeared as a soloist with the Trinity Chamber Orchestra and the Pan American Symphony Orchestra.

Solounias began his studies in his home town of Havre de Grace, Maryland with Irene Yeakel and went on to complete his Bachelors of Arts at Shepherd University with Scott Beard. He received his Masters of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts from the Catholic University of America under the direction of Jim Litzelman and Jose Ramos Santana. He has also worked with pedagogues including Emanuel Krasovsky, John Perry, and Leon Fleisher.

Solounias is the Director of the Puerto Rico International Piano Festival, the co-artistic director of the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Competition for Young Pianists, the Chopin Piano Academy, assistant to the Tureck International Bach Competition, and has consulted for the Hiiuma Homecoming Music Festival. Solounias is also on the board of the National Bell Festival.

Solounias has released his debut album under the Sheva Collection featuring the piano music of Heitor Villa-Lobos. He is is a passionate teacher and is currently a faculty member at Levine Music in Washington D.C. and at Opal Music Studio in Alexandria Virginia.

https://www.jasonsolounias.com/