More Rivers
Navona, 2025
9/10
The inimitable Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico returns with a sequel to Frank Horvat’s work, where the 7 pieces flow with unparalleled attention to detail.
The swirling keys of “More Rivers 5” begins with a mesmerizing quality of mystery, and “More Rivers 4” continues the finger acrobatics with meticulous yet easily accessible patterns of intrigue.
Further along, “More Rivers 2” radiates strong tonality thanks to the fluid piano, while “More Rivers 6” offers a poetic landscape of eloquent and timeless songwriting.
Arriving close to the end, “More Rivers 7” is a busy moment of lush and colorful progressions that are the album’s best, and “More Rivers 1- For Ann” exits with 23+ minutes of melodic and warm gestures.
A solo piano effort that touches on impressionism, Prokofievian harmonies, Pärtian spirit, and layers of Messiaen influence, Petrowska Quilico again proves just why her performances are resonating worldwide.
Travels well with: Kai-Young Chen- Constraints/Creativity; Adolphus Hailstork- Chamber Works