Hornung Trio - Strukturen (2022) [Hi-Res]

Perhaps the most striking difference between American and European jazz pianists is that those from the "old world" largely grow up with classical music before turning to improvised music It is, of course, no coincidence that influences ranging from (late) romanticism to classical modernism can now also be discerned - more strikingly than ever - in Ludwig Hornung's playing. They give his compositions and dynamic improvisations a decidedly individual character. Moreover, they reveal an almost striking development of the musician and his band, whose debut player was released in 2017 on Double Moon Records. The impressive richness of timbre made possible by nuanced touch on the grand piano alone is essential to all the pieces on Structures. So is the abandonment of traditional forms, such as the typical "theme-solo-theme" progression "It was important to me to avoid rigid parameters," Ludwig Hornung states, "and even while composing, I was very inspired by the subtle tonalities of classical music." Last but not least, he is enthusiastic about the "then revolutionary way in which Scriabin or Messiaen dealt with chords and harmonies." While studying music of the early 20th century, Hornung came across a Russian composer whose works had a direct and lasting influence(s) on him: Nikolai Roslavets. "His pieces move on the edge of atonality; I feel him like a link between Scriabin and Schoenberg. What fascinates me about Roslavets is how he combines typical Russian power, gloom and emotional heaviness with conciliatory moods and fine chiseling of French impressionism." The album title track Strukturen evokes associations with other classics, its glittering arpeggios suggesting Chopin and Liszt, for example. On the other hand, Hornung's gripping improvisation makes clear that he is above all a passionate jazz player.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Hornung Trio - Strukturen (4:43)
1.02 - Hornung Trio - Wenn die Sirenen wieder rufen (9:27)
1.03 - Hornung Trio - Schizzo (8:00)
1.04 - Hornung Trio - Nikolai (5:53)
1.05 - Hornung Trio - Im Rausch (7:57)
1.06 - Hornung Trio - Mach (6:11)
1.07 - Hornung Trio - Leer (5:20)