Helene Grimaud: Resonances (CD, Imported)

The pianist, Hlne Grimaud, has conceived another programme of works spanning a wide range of emotions and styles, yet all linked by their origin in that singular musical line of succession: the great composers of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Her new album bears the title Rsonance, reflecting Grimauds imaginative approach to this stimulating compilation of masterpieces. Hlne Grimaud brings all her artistic maturity and a perfect balance between intellect and emotion to bear on the highly dramatic sonatas by Mozart the A minor K.310 Liszt and Berg, leavened by Bartks irresistible Romanian Folk Dances For Grimaud the keystone here is Alban Bergs hyper-charged, ultra-romantic Opus 1. In this highly concentrated work, the fascinating interrelationships, resonances, between the composers and pieces are summarized and condensed. This is a music drama in the miniature form of a single-movement sonata, comments Grimaud, a maximum of expression that seems to emanate directly from the heart contained within a piece of incredibly clear structure.