4 Rhapsodies
Navona, 2021
9/10
A solo piano effort from the very capable hands of Kristina Marinova, 4 Rhapsodies offers rich and technically proficient interpretations of work from Ernő Dohnányi, Astor Piazzolla, Franz Liszt and George Gershwin.
“Four Rhapsodies op. 11” starts the listen, and showcases firm, nearly rumbling keys that are also occasionally calm and intimate, as the very eclectic piece unfolds across 4 chapters.
“Tango Rhapsody” lands in the middle and is full of complicated but easily enjoyable progressions that spend 9 minutes mesmerizing us, while “Rhapsodie Espagnole” is prone to bouncy, playful moments of swift and glorious key manipulation that pays strong attention to mood.
“Rhapsody In Blue” then exits the listen, and presents both adventurousness and restraint in the album highlight that showcases an unparalleled amount of talent from Marinova.
Marinova puts a fresh coat of paint on some very old songs here, where she retains the spirit of the originals while still putting her stamp on with an exceptional amount of skill and diversity, and it makes for a solo piano journey that’s quite absorbing.
Travels well with: Paul Paccione- Music For Piano; Pavel Gintov- Piano Fantasies