In this curated list, I will recommend some of my personal favorite piano recordings, each offering a distinct style, recording technique, and composition:
Recommended version: Any first editions from 1996 CD
An iconic album by Ludovico Einaudi, possibly his most renowned work, featuring unforgettable and timeless compositions.
Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer renowned for his contemporary classical and minimalist music. He was born on November 23, 1955, in Turin, Italy.
Einaudi's music often blends classical, ambient, and cinematic elements, creating a distinctive and emotionally evocative sound.
Recommended version: 2019 24/96kHz
'Seven Days Walking' is a remarkable musical journey through seven days of introspection and inspiration, brought to life by the exquisite compositions of Ludovico Einaudi. This album invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world of emotive and evocative piano melodies, each one a distinct reflection of the passing days. Seven variations following the same imaginary itinerary.
A potentially varied microphone placement can result in distinct audio characteristics on certain days, and these nuances will be readily apparent to the listener.
Recommended version: SACD FoneSACD216
Exquisite piano music meticulously recorded with Fonè's renowned audio quality, captured using fully valve-driven microphones, tube processed digital master. A warm and intimately recorded musical experience.
Julian Oliver Mazzariello's debut solo album is a captivating fusion of improvisational brilliance, featuring both beloved standards and original compositions. From the timeless allure of classics like "Body and Soul" and "Over the Rainbow" to the intricate jazz landscapes of Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans, this album weaves a tapestry of musical memories and creative ideas. Mazzariello's own compositions, spanning from 1996 to 2019, add depth and contemporary resonance to the collection.
Recorded in September 2019, this album is part of a series of recordings captured at the Piaggio Auditorium, situated within the renowned Piaggio Museum in Pontedera. This location, where the legacy of Piaggio's innovation and production lives on, serves as a fitting backdrop for the artistry on display in this exceptional album.
Recommended version: DSD256
Fiona received well-deserved nominations for the Independent Music Awards' Best New Age Album of 2017 and the ZMR Best Piano Album in 2018 for her outstanding work on 'Into The Mist.'
This album marks Fiona Joy's second solo piano recording and features a captivating collection of neo-classical compositions. Through her music, Fiona skillfully conveys a wide range of emotions, taking listeners on a heartfelt journey through the mystical and enchanting mist.
Recommended version: SACD or DSD64
Blue Coast Records and the Grammy-Nominated jazz pianist, Art Lande, have joined forces to present an exceptional assortment of timeless tunes and original compositions. This recording showcases Lande's impeccable mastery of key control and pedaling, making it a must-listen for pianists of all levels.
The exquisite performance takes place on a vintage 1885 Steinway piano, and what sets it apart is the absence of any studio enhancements such as equalization, compression, reverb, or digital effects.
Recommended version: SACDA67451/2
In her comprehensive exploration of Bach's keyboard compositions, Angela Hewitt comes close to concluding the journey with the English Suites. Contrary to the misleading label "English," these suites do not possess any distinctly English characteristics. Instead, they represent Bach's profound exploration of the baroque suite, making them quintessential exemplars of the form.
These six suites, alongside the French Suites and the six Partitas, embody Bach's mature interpretations of the conventional suite of baroque dances. Notably, they all commence with expansive preludes, often resembling concertos in their grandeur and virtuosity.
Angela Hewitt rises magnificently to the challenges presented by these compositions, delivering her customary exceptional performance. A must have and listening.
Preview Bach: The English Suites by Angela Hewitt on Apple Music. 2003. 37 Songs. Duration: 2 hours, 23 minutes. Buy the album for $19.99. Songs start at $0.99.
Recommended version: DXD or SACD edition
The only way to listen to the latest symphony or opera in the nineteenth century was to either seek out a live performance or perform it at home with a piano partner, à quatre mains. Thus, an enormous amount of four-hand literature abounds from the 1820s to the 1930s. Works in transcription largely dominate this repertoire: operas, symphonies, and chamber works were adapted en masse for four hands by skilled and not so skilled musicians alike. But there were also works freshly composed in the medium, and four-handed playing could be heard in the home (its natural environment) but also on the relatively new environment of the concert stage.
Recommended version: DSD256 or SACD edition
The album starts with Frédéric Chopin’s four Ballades, which are among my most beloved pieces to perform. Apart from being incredibly beautiful and emotionally powerful, the ballades have a heroic narrative element as if telling the story of a medieval legend. They also have a distinctive dance element, possibly coming from the old Italian ballata.
Recommended version: SACD or DSD digital download
Engineered by Gus Skinas of the Super Audio Center in Boulder, CO and Robert Friederich of Five/Four Productions, the album was the first release of high-end audio equipment manufacturer PS Audio's Octave Records label.
Don Grusin, the brilliant pianist, presents an extraordinary recording of his original compositions. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this album was captured in pristine DSD (Direct Stream Digital) quality using the Sonoma Multi-track recorder. It stands as a shining gem in your cherished collection, delivering one of the finest listening experiences you'll ever have.
It's important to note that the Spotify or Apple Music previews of these albums are not designed to replicate the sound quality and characteristics of the DXD masters or SACD editions. You may encounter a higher volume level due to various factors, including automatic volume normalization and different mastering practices.
Andrea Boi
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