Album Reviews

This new release marks another step along the way for the exuberant young pianist as she turns 30. It's an engaging solo set that shows a growing maturity in her playing. Hiromi still has a tendency to dazzle with technical fireworks at the expense of emotional content, but, nevertheless, there are some lovely moments among the dozen original compositions which are dedicated to places she has played. She's not quite there yet, but some time soon, Hiromi will announce herself as a major-league jazz pianist. AV

Kristjan Zarvi/Absolute Ensemble: Absolute Zawinul (Intuition) 12.99

Here is the last studio recording that Joe Zawinul made before his death in 2007, and it provides an affectionate farewell to him, as well as demonstrating that even at the end of his life, he was pushing in new musical directions. The Absolute Ensemble is a resourceful chamber orchestra and its arrangements and performances of Zawinul themes have plenty of energy under its director, Kristjan Zarvi. Zawinul himself is glimpsed only briefly on keyboards, but his presence infuses every performance. AV

Beethoven Triple Concerto, Brahms Double Concerto. (Chandos, CHAN10564) 8.99

Like many before him, conductor Neeme Jarvi finds a genial pairing in the Beethoven and Brahms concertos. If the Beethoven is a shade reserved, no such criticism can be directed toward the Brahms. It is strong and ardent and finds the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra in keen form. The Trio Poseidon takes two of its members from the orchestra and one from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. No surprise, then, that their playing is so responsive. RC

The Firebird, Symphony of Psalms: Orfeo, C804 101 13.99

The astringency of Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms arrives as a bracing contrast after the warm colours of the Firebird, in its complete form from 1910. The unlikely coupling is just one aspect that makes this recording so interesting. Another is the poised precision of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under conductor Andris Nelsons. Whether in the whirling dance of the firebird or the grave beauty of the Alleluia Laudate Dominum, sung by the CBSO Chorus, there is immense thoughtfulness. A fine recording. RC