Preludes And Fugues For Piano
Bridge, 2025
9/10
Listen to Preludes And Fugues For Piano
These 2 books of David S. Lefkowitz's Preludes and Fugues for Piano are fleshed out with 4 pianists, sparing vocals, and Lefkowitz himself in attendance for the 50 expressive tracks.
“Book One” occupies the first disc, and opens with Michael Mizrahi’s swift and dynamic keys mesmerizing us through first few chapters, before Steven Beck’s radiating piano adds strong attention to mood.
About halfway through this portion is when Mika Sasaki’s melodic gestures enter with much tonality, while David Kaplan finishes the first half with intimacy and warmth surrounding “Prelude & Fugue No. 13”.
The 2nd disc leads with “Prelude & Fugue No. 1, Book 2 "Slendro"“, where whistling is present thanks to Lefkowitz, and later on we’re treated to Cantor Marcus Feldman’s expressive baritone amid Kaplan’s playful keys for “Prelude & Fugue No. 12, Book 2 "Nigun, Hora & Freylekh".
Book II actually incorporates screws, chopsticks, sponges, paper and beach towels, and all 4 pianists execute superbly from beginning to end for nearly 3 hours of time well spent.
Travels well with: Brightwork Ensemble- My Dancing Sweetheart-Just Songs; John Schneider- Pastiches