Marta The Tempest
Navona, 2023
9/10
The inimitable pianist Marta Brankovich makes quite an impression with these interpretations of Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Kaufman, Jirásek, and Webber, where special guest Denver Cooper brings some superb acoustic guitar, too.
“Prelude in C-sharp minor Op.3, No.2” opens the listen with atmospheric and firm key progressions that welcome much emotional depth, and “Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op.posth., No.20” has Brankovich manipulating the piano with strong attention to detail and mood.
In the middle, “Partita for a Virus” is quite swift and meticulous, where the playing seems effortless in Brankovich’s capable hands, while “Soulmate” lands in intimate territory thanks to the cautious demeanor and minimal qualities.
The final 2 tracks enlist Cooper’s guitar skills, where “Requiem for a Dream” is a dramatic, cinematic and rock influenced album highlight, and the thick climate of the thundering “Phantom of the Opera” is packed with dense drums and soaring guitar.
A powerful, diverse and focused affair, Brankovich takes a very artistic approach to her craft and it certainly makes for a memorable and exciting listen.
Travels well with: Peter Sulski- Bowed Colors; Avner Finberg- The Four Seasons Of Isolation