A stunning programme of Australian piano music given fabulous performances by this New York-based Australian pianist. The title work is one of the most difficult in the entire piano repertoire and was recorded for this CD in one take.
CONTENTS
Michael Smetanin Stroke
Don Banks Commentary
Elena Kats-Chernin Tast-En
Julian Yu Impromptu
Andrew Ford A Kumquat for John Keats
Ross Edwards Etymalong
Gerard Brophy Angelicon
Peter Sculthorpe Djilile
Martin Wesley-Smith Grey Beach
REVIEWS
… a fascinating recital from a master pianist.… The great track of this CD is surely the one which produced its title: Michael Smetanin's amazing Stroke. Alas, a recording cannot capture the theatre of witnessing this petite tornado attacking the keyboard in this formidable music. I believe that this performance was done in a single "take" and, really, it is difficult to conceive that this driving, percussive and glittering experience would be achieved in any other way – provided that the pianist has the essential combination of unfaltering stamina and unflinching technique, as Lisa Moore has without question.
John Carmody. Sun Herald. February 1995
Australian pianist Lisa Moore is another extraordinary champion of contemporary music. Her playing is both powerful and sensitive. Among the highlights of her Tall Poppies disc of Australian piano music is the title piece, Stroke, by Michael Smetanin. The music reflects two meanings of the word "stroke" (a violent medical event, or a caress), moving between the two types of feeling seamlessly and poetically. Other good pieces on the program are Julian Yu's Impromptu, Ross Edwards's Etymalong, and Gerard Brophy's Angelicon. The sound is good, the notes informative.
American Record Guide July/August 1996
CONTENTS
Michael Smetanin Stroke
Don Banks Commentary
Elena Kats-Chernin Tast-En
Julian Yu Impromptu
Andrew Ford A Kumquat for John Keats
Ross Edwards Etymalong
Gerard Brophy Angelicon
Peter Sculthorpe Djilile
Martin Wesley-Smith Grey Beach
REVIEWS
… a fascinating recital from a master pianist.… The great track of this CD is surely the one which produced its title: Michael Smetanin's amazing Stroke. Alas, a recording cannot capture the theatre of witnessing this petite tornado attacking the keyboard in this formidable music. I believe that this performance was done in a single "take" and, really, it is difficult to conceive that this driving, percussive and glittering experience would be achieved in any other way – provided that the pianist has the essential combination of unfaltering stamina and unflinching technique, as Lisa Moore has without question.
John Carmody. Sun Herald. February 1995
Australian pianist Lisa Moore is another extraordinary champion of contemporary music. Her playing is both powerful and sensitive. Among the highlights of her Tall Poppies disc of Australian piano music is the title piece, Stroke, by Michael Smetanin. The music reflects two meanings of the word "stroke" (a violent medical event, or a caress), moving between the two types of feeling seamlessly and poetically. Other good pieces on the program are Julian Yu's Impromptu, Ross Edwards's Etymalong, and Gerard Brophy's Angelicon. The sound is good, the notes informative.
American Record Guide July/August 1996
- Tall Poppies
- TP 040