Laurent Petitgirard - Guru - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Laurent Petitgirard - Joseph Merrick the Elephant Man [COMPACT DISCS] date 09/20/2005

Star pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard presents an anthology from Gyorgy Kurtag's Jatekok (Games), recorded in the composer's presence and under his artistic guidance. In his extensive series of Jatekok, Kurtag realizes the spontaneity of a child exploring the piano with the compositional means of his adventurous, avant-garde idiom. Recording such an extensive collection of Jatekok is an important statement for Aimard, who has developed an intimate artistic friendship with the composer over decades. A renowned champion of twentieth-century music, Pierre-Laurent Aimard has released multiple acclaimed albums in his exclusive contract with PENTATONE, including Messiaen's Catalogue d'Oiseaux (2018) and Visions de l'Amen (2022), along with Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata & Eroica Variations (2021). He also joined Tamara Stefanovich in Etudes and Frames (2023), with music by Vassos Nicolaou, and recorded Bartok's Piano Concertos with the San Francisco Symphony and Esa-Pekka Salonen (2023). The miniature nature of Kurtag's Jatekok makes them an unexpected, yet logical successor of Aimard's acclaimed album Schubert Landler (2024), which consisted of dances that the pianist often combines with Kurtag's short pieces in live performances.

The legendary soul music group who held the distinction of being the first soul group to be recorded behind bars. The members were all serving time at New Jersey's Rahway State Prison when the legendary producer George Kerr gained permission to record the group. The group is featured here, captured live in concert, performing some of their most popular songs including “Look Over Your Shoulder” and “Let's Make Love (At Home Sometime).” All selections have been newly re-mastered.