I giardini presents here the first chamber music monograph in Europe, devoted to the American composer Caroline Shaw. This album is the result of a meeting between the composer and the two artistic directors of the ensemble (David Violi & Pauline Buet) and their partners from I Giardini. The album notably features a world premiere recording, The Wheel, commissioned by the ensemble, Caroline’s first composition for cello and piano.

The youngest winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music and multi-award winner at the Grammy Awards, Caroline unleashes her creativity and eclecticism as a producer, composer, violinist and singer in a wide variety of musical worlds, from classical to pop (Kanye West, Rosalia… ) through the soundtrack of films and series.

From the very first notes we were carried away by Caroline’s music: moved by its sincerity, irresistably drawn to her harmonies, and intoxicated by the poetic repetition of her melodies. This is a journey along seemingly familiar paths, but with the promise of constant new discoveries en route. Despite its apparent simplicity, Caroline’s chamber music reveals density, intelligence and feeling.

The Wheel was commissioned with the support of the festival Musica Strasbourg, also of Montpellier Opera, the Lieu Unique of Nantes, and the Musique(s) Rive Gauche Paris: its first world performance, and this CD album, are the result of the past months of work, including all the ideas exchanged between us.

Many thanks to Caroline for her confidence, and for all her tact!

Pauline & David