The Valkov-Dahn Project
Albany, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Valkov-Dahn Project
A collection of work penned for the pianist Viktor Valkov, Luke Dahn’s vision is fleshed out with much care and precision across these 4 involved pieces.
“Piano Sonata” opens the listen with 23+ minutes of warm and fluid key progressions that can rumble just as they can emit beauty, and “Nocturne” follows with a rare intimacy that unfolds with a pensive, emotive appeal.
On the back half, “Giuoco Piano” spreads out across 5 movements that embrace minimal moments, mesmerizing, firm playing and a radiant dreaminess, and “Eight Mazurkas” exits with 8 diverse segments that showcase fascinating key acrobatics as well as bare moments that focus on mood.
Dahn’s resume is quite impressive, including receiving the J.D. Robb International Composition Competition in 2014, and Valkov certainly mirrors the strength of the songwriting with these absorbing and exciting songs.
Travels well with: Vivian Fine- Dreamscape: Chamber Music For Flute By Vivian Fine; Ketty Nez- far sight sun light