Bach & Hanson
Decca Gold, 2021
8/10
The American organist Cameron Carpenter brings us a pair of really meticulous pieces here, where his inimitable skill interprets J.S. Bach’s “The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988” and Howard Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2 in D-flat Major, Opus 30, W45, "Romantic" .
“The Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (1741)” opens up the listen in 31 chapters, where Carpenter’s extraordinary playing starts soft and full of atmosphere, and eventually flows with grace and classical inspired energy, but is also capable of rumbling with a firm presence, too. Carpenter weaves in and out of the composition with incredible dexterity, and his unpredictable nature sure is welcomed.
Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2 in D-flat Major, Opus 30, W45, "Romantic" (1930)” is other half of the record, and is a more haunting affair, where intimacy is present and appreciated, as is a cinematic and mysteriousness that showcases Carpenter’s ability to adapt to an ever changing mood.
Carpenter illustrates just how versatile his instrument can be, and his custom made organ allows for tonal variations and harmonic and melodic variations that truly breathe new life into these classic compositions.
Travels well with: Anna Netrebko- Amata Dalle Tenebre; Daniil Trifonov- BACH: The Art Of Life