Pieces For Sixth-Tone Harmonium
Sub Rosa, 2024
8/10
Listen to Pieces For Sixth-Tone Harmonium
A collection of harmonium pieces by Phill Niblock, Klaus Lang, Bernhard Lang, Milan Guštar, Judith Berkson, Idin Samimi Mofakham and Ian Mikyska, Miroslav Beinhauer illustrates much versatility and expertise via his complete mastery of the stringed instrument.
“5.Adagio - from Six compositions for sixth-tone harmonium, op. 37” starts the listen with warmth and mystery from the lower register, and “Not One And Not Two” follows with strong attention to mood, where tonality is manipulated in a buzzing fashion.
Halfway through, the strategic repetition of “Not the same, not different” mesmerizes us, while “Bent Meanings” is a bit haunting but still very tuneful thanks to the cautious progressions of the meticulous playing.
Landing close to the end, “Loops for Hába” comes with nearly sci-fi qualities that are shrouded in mystery, and “Harmonius” exits with the dense keys that radiate cinematic bouts of intrigue.
A truly unique body of work that focuses on 20th century works, Beinhauer makes each selection here interesting and distinct via his very capable hands.
Travels well with: Petr Bakla- Late Night Show; Debra Kaye- Ikarus Among The Stars