The Unknown Piazzolla

By Steven R. Rochlin
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CD Stock Number: Chesky CD 190

  Chalk up another great classical release to none other than Chesky Records. Their new CD titled The Unknown Piazzolla consists of wonderfully dynamic and deep emotional music. From the fast and furious solo piano of "Vayamos al Diablo" to the more mellow "Milonga en Re" for violin and piano. This is not your father's typical steady 4/4 but more emotionally and musically creative movements. The composer of the music, Astor Piazolla, is one of the 20th centuries most widely performed composers. His music compositions are very diverse and include solo pieces to the impressively dynamic large symphonic assemblage. While he is now gone to a better place his music lives on.

While this CD mainly centers around the glorious musicianship of Allison Brewster Franzetti on piano, other talents on this CD include duets with Hector Falcon or Nardo Poy on violin, or Eugene Moye on cello. The one constant factor i enjoy while listening to this CD is the sheer joy of incredibly passionate musical movements performed with all the glory and multifaceted musicianship that is so rare in many modern classical recordings. If you are looking for a breath of fresh air in the ever boring and predictable classical genre then you owe it to yourself to get a copy of The Unknown Piazzolla.

Recorded in 24-bit/96-kHz at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in New York City, this CD has wonderful ambience and hall "sound" while not interfering with the dynamic impact each instrument commands. This recording is a must-have for anyone looking for a new lease in the life of classical music. Dynamics, style and musical emotions being brought forth with a heavy dose of stylistic freedom. All that and recorded extremely well too! More like this please!

Enjoyment: 100

Sound Quality: 95