Complete Piano Works
Naxos, 2024
8/10
Listen to Complete Piano Works
The esteemed pianist Quynh Nguyen is joined by Stephen Barlow and the London Symphony Orchestra, plus guest Rieko Aizawa for these interpretations of the American composer Paul Chihara’s complete piano works
“Concerto-Fantasy For Piano And Orchestra” starts the listen with the sweeping strings emitting much beauty, as Nguyen’s stirring keys suit the 4 chapters with much grace and emotion, and “Bagatelles (Twice Seven Haiku For Piano)” follows with rumbling versus bright key progressions, where the unpredictable mood showcases incredible attention to detail.
On the back half of the listen, “Four Reveries on Beethoven” manipulates space and tension with lush, eloquent song craft that draws the listener in immediately, while “Ami” recruits Aizawa’s hands for the dynamic and careful interaction between the 2 pianos.
A body of work that embraces Eastern harmonies, jazz and Russian classical ideas, Chihara’s lengthy resume of film, TV scores, orchestral, choral and chamber works is preserved well in Nguyen’s highly capable hands.
Travels well with: Daniel Gortler- Grieg Lyric Pieces;; Kodály- Háry János Suite