Regency Parke

Inspired by the forgotten keyboard parts of Maria Frances Parke, violinist-composer Aleksandra Maslovaric created new violin parts that at last complete the duet envisioned over two centuries ago. The result brings to life the elegance, wit, and emotional depth of an era defined by artistic sophistication and cultural transformation.

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Track List

Two Grand Sonatas for Piano and Violin

Sonata No. 1 in C Major

Sonata No. 2 in F Major

Description

Maria Frances Parke was a celebrated musician in the early Regency period. At the age of 12, she captured the attention of London society and earned great praise from the royal family for her performance of a piano concerto. For over two decades, “Miss Parke” was a favorite of the Nobility and Gentry across the country, a headline vocal performer renowned for her “scientific strains” and her “taste and sensibility.”

Success as a vocalist afforded Miss Parke opportunities to showcase her instrumental and compositional abilities. Around 1800, Parke published the keyboard part of the work included here as “Two Grand Sonatas for the Piano Forte (with additional Keys) And an Accompaniment for the Violin ad Libitum.”

Already a composer of multiple solos and concertos, Aleksandra Maslovaric relished the opportunity to create the violin half of the duet. “With the completely clean slate of Parke’s original ad libitum indication,” says Maslovaric, “it’s been an exhilarating challenge to find a voice that captures and hopefully enhances Maria’s themes and phrasing. On the surface, it might seem that her piano ‘accompaniment’ left little room for the violin. Yet after many, many hours playing and living in just the piano part, I believe I found a symbiotic musical interplay. These new melodies and rhythms aim to create a dialogue where the violin and piano both challenge and complement each other.”

Collaborating beautifully on this world premiere recording, pianist Monika Ruth Vida and violinist Aleksandra Maslovaric deliver a performance of the sonatas that honors the historical authenticity while offering a fresh, vibrant interpretation.

Let Regency Parke become the soundtrack to your journey through the time of Jane Austen, Lord Byron, and the music that defined an age. Whether you’re a connoisseur of classical music or a newcomer drawn to the romance of the Regency period, this album will transport you to a world of grace, poise, and timeless charm.

Artist’s Statement

From first sight, I relished the opportunity to create the violin half of this duet. With the completely clean slate of Parke’s original ad libitum indication, it’s been an exhilarating challenge to find a voice that captures and hopefully enhances Maria’s themes and phrasing. On the surface, it might seem that her piano “accompaniment” left little room for the violin. Yet after many, many hours playing and living in just the piano part, I believe I found a symbiotic musical interplay. These new melodies and rhythms aim to create a dialogue where the violin and piano both challenge and complement each other.

—Aleksandra

Credits

Two Grand Sonatas for Piano and Violin

Composed by Maria Frances Parke & Aleksandra Maslovaric
She Scores (ASCAP), Los Angeles, 2025

Performed by Aleksandra Maslovaric, violin and Monica Ruth Vida, piano

Recorded by Rédly Dénes
at Rottenbiller Hall, Budapest

Mixed and Mastered by Scott Levitin
at WMG Mastering, Los Angeles

Produced by Jonathan Shephard and Aleksandra Maslovaric.

© Copyright 2025 Feminae Records. All rights reserved.
℗ Copyright 2025 Feminae Records. All rights reserved.

Catalog #2501