Search - Allison Brewster Franzetti :: American Piano 5

Played as if in heaven

03/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Carlos Guastavino - To Allison Brewster Franzetti - I am flabbergasted and astonished after hearing the 3 Sonatinas played as if in heaven"

Refreshing contrast

03/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From Fanfare Magazine-The folk and/or popular music of Argentina and Brazil is the inspiration for much of what is heard on this collection; even New York Skyline, a 1939 miniature whose melodic line is based on a photograph of Manhattan skyscrapers, has that Latin American sound. Although the program reveals a variety of composing styles, the pieces it contains work better as a refreshing contrast to more orthodox music than as a collection, per se. When heard one after the other, their charms can wear a bit thin.It will surprise no one familiar with Astor Piazzolla's music that the seasons are portrayed as tangos;according to the annotations (obviously written by someone who knows this repertory), it's the first time these pieces have been recorded by a solo pianist, as Piazzolla originally indicated. I do not disparage the Guarnieri and Mignone pieces when I describe them as conventionally "Brazilian." The Dansa negra's slow, swaying sensuality is particularly appealing. Like Borodin, Guastavino made his living, at least originally, as a chemist. The performance of the Sonatinas comes with his personal endorsement. The brief (the longest of them consumes just over two minutes) Ginastera pieces are more hard-edged and dry than the other music on the recital, but still retain and Argentine influence - his sojourn into more "advanced" techniques was still a few years down the road. I assume that Carlos Franzetti is the pianist's husband; the Suite Alborada is dedicated to her. Its rich harmonies sometimes do suggest Ravel, as the annotations say, but what the annotations call a Chopin influence strikes me as more Schumannesque. Don't be put off by this - the music is not derivative. As mentioned, the annotations are authoritative. I would have preferred a less intimate recording but the pianist's fortunate inclincation seems to be to caress the keys, rather than pound them (except when appropriate). James Miller"

A Beautifully Performed Recital and Musical Gem

03/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""South American Landscapes" is a wonderful find for collectors of first class international music. This collection of Argentine and Brazilian solo piano music is in turn refreshing, tender, full of energy and beautifully rendered by pianist Allison Brewster Franzetti. Over 100 years of Argentine composers are represented by Ginastera, Guastavino, Piazolla and Franzetti. Brazil is highlighted by the famous Villa-Lobos and lesser known Mignone and Guarnieri. New York Skyline (dedicated to William Morris) by Heitor Villa-Lobos paints a sonic picture of Manhattan, while the lovely, bittersweet Tres Sonatinas by Carlos Guavstavino and craftsmanship of the 12 American Preludes by Alberto Ginastera are brought to their fullest realization through the wonderful tone and technique of pianist Brewster Franzetti, who seems to capture the deepest thoughts of these composers. My real favorites on this CD are Suite Alborada by Carlos Franzetti and Congada by Mignone. Anyone with an interest in the music of our South American neighbors must try this beautifully performed recital."