Isabella Jie - Vibrant: Piano Works by Bruce Stark (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Toccata
02. Colors of Peace: I. Shades of Prayer
03. Colors of Peace: II. Blossom
04. Colors of Peace: III. Meditation
05. Colors of Peace: IV. Warrior's Hue
06. Colors of Peace: V. Refrain
07. Colors of Peace: VI. Rhapsody
08. Sonata for Piano: I. Allegro
09. Sonata for Piano: II. Andante
10. Sonata for Piano: III. Presto
11. 6 Dances for Piano: No. 1, —
12. 6 Dances for Piano: No. 2, —
13. 6 Dances for Piano: No. 3, —
14. 6 Dances for Piano: No. 4, —
15. 6 Dances for Piano: No. 5, —
16. 6 Dances for Piano: No. 6, —

The name for Bruce Stark’s album VIBRANT could not be more aptly chosen: if ever there was the acoustic equivalent of fireworks in solo piano music, this would be it. Interpreted to perfection by Indonesian pianist Isabella Jie, virtuosic sparks fly and rich colors blossom.

The apparent formality of Stark’s compositions — a sonata, a kind of suite, a set of dances, a toccata — betrays the innovation that lives and breathes within these pieces: there’s a similar spirit at play here as in the works of Prokofiev or Takemitsu. The language is tonal, yet never commonplace; but most striking is the level of energy, with a firepower that is off the charts. An exhilarating experience.

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