Roberte Mamou - Variations - SUPER-AUDIO CD [Super Audio CD (SACD)]

For her fifth on BIS Clare Hammond has constructed an adventurous programme of twentieth and twenty-first-century variations for piano. From the imposing Chaconne by Sofia Gubaidulina, to the tender grief of Paul Hindemith's variations or Aaron Copland's bold and uncompromising proclamation, the disc presents a fresh perspective on the genre. Hammond opens with Karol Szymanowski's Variations on a Polish Theme from 1904, a virtuosic and intensely Romantic outpouring that contrasts strikingly with the wit and irreverence of Helmut Lachenmann's set on a theme by Schubert. The most recent works in the programme are Harrison Birtwistle's mercurial elegy and it's polar opposite I Still Play, a lyrical waltz composed in 2017 by John Adams. Described as 'a star interpreter of contemporary music' (The Observer), Clare Hammond has developed a reputation for imaginative concert programming. As she herself admits in her liner notes, variation form may on the surface appear to be both limiting and limited, but the works she presents here transcend the form in myriad creative, and at times daring, ways.

Pain and heartbreak have permeated Connie Smith's timeless country sound and they pulse through The Cry of the Heart, Smith's first album in a decade and her third collaboration with her husband, Marty Stuart (who also produces the effort). Smith asksInch How many teardrops have I cried over youInch on album opener InchA Million and One,Inch reintroducing listeners to her radiant, textured voice. Smith and Stuart contributed two original tracks written together as well, the soaring InchHere Comes My Baby Back AgainInch and weeper InchSpare Me No Truth Tonight.Inch Other songs on The Cry of the Heart include InchI Don't Believe Me AnymoreInch the 72nd song Smith has recorded written by Hall of Fame songwriter Dallas Frazier, and Merle Haggard's InchJesus Takes a Hold,Inch which is a reflection of Smith's boundless faith in the midst of troubled times. Grammy Award- winning producer and songwriter Carl Jackson pens InchTo PiecesInch and InchI'm Not Over You,Inch the latter composed with classic country singer Melba Montgomery.

Variations - Variations [COMPACT DISCS] date 12/03/2017