Mahan Esfahani - Musique? – Modern and Electro-Acoustic Works for Harpsichord (2020) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Takemitsu: Rain Dreaming
02. Cowell: Set of Four: I. Rondo
03. Cowell: Set of Four: II. Ostinato
04. Cowell: Set of Four: III. Chorale
05. Cowell: Set of Four: IV. Fugue – Résumé
06. Saariaho: Jardin secret II
07. Bryars: After Handel's 'Vesper'
08. Abbasi: Intertwined Distances
09. Ferrari: Programme commun «Musique socialiste?»



Under Mahan Esfahani’s hands – and occasionally fists – the harpsichord is transmogrified into an elemental force, by turns supported or menaced by an astonishing arsenal of electronics. Concerned listeners please note: no harpsichords were harmed in the making of this album.

‘Esfahani perfectly understands the toccatas’ architecture, yet celebrates their quirkiness and, interrogating every note, is generous with expressive pauses’ – BBC Music Magazine (JS Bach - Toccatas, CDA68244)

‘Robust, vital and exciting’ – Gramophone (The Passinge Mesures, CDA68249)

‘These works have sometimes been handled as trifles or decorative miniatures, but Iranian-American harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani treats them as profoundly expressive and introspective works’ – BBC Music Magazine (The Passinge Mesures, CDA68249)

DOWNLOAD ALBUM [Hi-Res]