Rhapsodic
Navona, 2023
9/10
The esteemed pianist Fanya Lin brings her skilled vision to songs by George Gershwin and Sergei Rachmaninoff here, where the 2 involved pieces benefit from adaptable and powerful interpretations.
Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue” occupies the first half of the listen, as the bright winds and brass complement Lin’s dynamic keys for a very adventurous reworking of the classic that’s rich, booming and articulate.
The remainder of the listen belongs to Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43”, where the dancing keys are nothing short of fascinating, and emit so much charm and spirit and allows for subtle strings to enter the changing mood.
A complicated listen that still universally enjoyable, Lin’s precision, thoughtful and animated gestures will easily strike a chord with those who adore piano music.
Travels well with: Kenneth Thompkins- Compelling Portraits; Myroslava Khomik- Protest