Hannes Minnaar - 24 Preludes & Fugues Op. 87 - SUPER-AUDIO CD [Super Audio CD (SACD)]

Horst Gobel - Rondo for Piano & Orchestra in B Flat [COMPACT DISCS] date 12/12/1995

Vinyl LP pressing. 2018 . Nothing is ever straightforward with Connan Mockasin, and nothing should ever be straightforward with Connan Mockasin. This riddled rule has never resounded more than on Jassbusters, Mockasin's third album and first in five years. An unclassifiable, unconventional album that neither picks up from nor abandons the modes of 2013's widely-embraced Caramel or it's 2010 predecessor Forever Dolphin Love, Jassbusters foreshadows a five-part melodrama titled Bostyn 'n Dobsyn, directed by and starring Mockasin. Jassbusters soundtracks the unpredictable narrative of the television series in eclectic, electric ways. Whether bending genres for shits n' giggles or collaborating with artists like James Blake (who might just appear on a Jassbusters track), MGMT, John Cale, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, Connan Mockasin has always maneuvered in mysterious ways.

We at Challenge are proud to present a new account of Goldberg Variations by critically acclaimed young pianist Hannes Minnaar. His rendition of Goldbergs sums up all the features of a 'contemporary' interpretation at the highest degree Transparent, detailed, and crystal-clear phrasing each and all notes are discernible. A supreme - but not artificial nor mannered - control and care of tone and sound touch, color and timbre are all fruit of a clearly deep insight and work. A smooth flow of the discourse a solid overall concept of the work structure and a plain, simple (never emphasized) 'singing' of the melodic line.(Even when he takes a very slow tempo - as in the famous Variation no. 25, about 30% slower than usual - he always sustains the melody, that means it is not the tempo that makes the melody living, but the capacity to make it flow, to 'connect' sounds and silences). These Goldbergs are not told as a narrative it is not a dramatic tale, but the architectural structure is well visible. It is not a story, it is a three-dimensional visual art work. Northern Star gave Minnaar the sound that perfectly matches his concept of the work. The rest is made by the unique Chris Maene piano. A 'Goldberg' for the 21st Century.