Songs Of Love
Divine Art, 2022
9/10
The esteemed pianist Jenny Q Chai interprets the work of Bach, Ives, and Schumann here, where her inimitable and meticulous finger acrobatics make for a very exciting listen.
Bach’s “Aria”, from ‘Goldberg’ variations, opens the listen with Chai’s agile and very stirring piano work that is quite heartfelt, and Ives’ “The Alcotts” from Piano Sonata No. 2 continues the thoughtful and emotive delivery that rumbles quite a bit louder at the end with the firm strokes emitting a sublime energy.
“Kreisleriana”, by Schumann, exits the listen and is an intense and vibrant execution that can also find breezy places to reside, as well as dreamy bouts of beauty, where Chai’s fascinating manipulation of her instrument is just so admirable.
This is Chai’s first time featuring work from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and let’s hope it isn’t her last, cause her unparalleled attention to detail and mesmerizing ability make for interpretations that warrant repeated listens.
Travels well with: Maya Magub- Consolations; Shea-Kim Duo- The Sound And The Fury