A phenominal look into Duckworth and "Other Places" ....
Michael W. Taylor | Roswell, Georgia, United States | 06/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lois Svard is a pianist who harneses fantastic technique and insight, and then fuses it with modern sensitivity and sensability. This recording presents a wonderful glimpse into an area of music which is not well known and hardly ever explored.Before delving into the music, it would be best to give some insight into the Svard "sound". Dr. Svard is a wizard when it comes to pianistic tone. Sound must always be "natural" above all else, also, it should also have good weight to it so that the quietest pianissimo can still be heard in the back of the hall. These two elements combine into a pianistic style which produces a sound that carries a lot of depth, but still "flows like oil" (to quote Mozart). This fantastic ability is not only apparent in her modern performances, but as much so within more traditional repertoire (she demonstrates great understanding and balance within Liszt's B Minor Sontata). In short, Dr Svard's combination of great technique and historical understanding allows her to be as versatile pianist as any on the planet.As for the music. The best place to begin is with Duckworth's "Imaginary Dances" for piano. These nine short pieces are all quite unique while harnessing the key elements which make up Duckworth's main stylistic traits towards the post-minimalist movement. All contain a motoric rhythm which is indicative of the minimalist movement, the key difference is that all make greater use of harmony, color, and thematic development. Also, some of the dances greatly preservce the dance element on the surface (No VII), while others are extremely meditative and "liquid" in their sound and feel (No. I), while many of the others present a balance of these two main characteristics (III, V, VI, VIII). Despite their modernity, these works are EXTREMELY listenable and are a wonderful introduction into one of the great movements of middle to late 20th century American Music. This effect would not be possible, however, if not for the outstanding efforts of Dr Svard in recognizing the spirit of each dance and communicating them clearly to the listener. It is her equisite touch which allows the magical/mystical elements of these dances to truly come out. Van Cao's Meditation is exactly that, a meditation. This is an long work that uses a simple set of musical themes which are softly painted to create a music which is quite atmospheric and contemplative in feel. This is a work which requires an excellent performer to take the ideas contained within its simple structure and trasport them from the recording studio to the living room. This is done quite well here as Dr Svard's performance helps eliminate a sense of time (ala Stockhausen and others) and helps solidify the beauty of the music causing a very personal, pleasant, and unique experience."Blue" Gene Tyranny is a very contemplative and relaxed composer who infuses many of the elements which make up the modern "New York" sound. There are elements of blues, minimalism, and spaciousness which creates a music that is very much exploratory, but in no real hurry to find its destination (which is quite fine!). This work truly brings out Dr Svard's pianistiv and musical strengths as her rich, smooth sound and style perfectly complement the demeanor which Tyranny sets throughout this piece. It is a difficult work to describe in short detail, so the best thing to do is to hear it for yourself!All in all this is a wonderful album of great music that has tended to be overlooked, all performed by a fantastic musician in Lois Svard. Buy this album and have your ears opened up to a journey that will explore the "Other Places" of American Music. Don't miss this one!"
Track Listings (3) - Disc #1