Scherzinger Etudes
New Focus, 2021
9/10
This second album on the New Focus label from the composer Martin Scherzinger spotlights the piano prowess of Bobby Mitchell, where the existing work of Brahms, Schumann, Chopin and Paganini is put through Scherzinger’s filter of creativity.
“The Horse Is Not Mine, a Hobby Horse” opens the listen with flowing keys that are both complicated and mesmerizing in their swift beauty, and this very graceful approach continues to the French Baroque style of “Verso il capo”, as well as the unpredictable and adventurous “Errata Erratica”.
In the middle, “Likembe-Liszt” dances with playfulness that also embraces calmer ebbs, while “Paganini, Piano Hero” brings both tension and warmth to a meticulous landscape. “Gigue”, one of the best selections, then rumbles with a profound technical approach that few could parallel.
At the end, “Perso, ma felice” offers a cautious and emotive landscape that’s quite stirring in its sublime nature, and “Verso il capo II” exits the listen with Mitchell and Tom Rosenkranz contributing their inimitable key skills to an ideal finish to a well crafted effort.
An ideal listen for those with an ear towards piano music, Scherzinger occasionally injects ‘Africanized’ rhythmic and motivic manipulation to these European rooted compositions that showcase an inestimable hybrid experience.
Travels well with: Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra & Reuben Blundell- American Discoveries; The City Of Tomorrow- Blow