Album Reviews

The fine Italian pianist, Battaglia, has worked with percussionist Rabbia in group settings before, but this time the two join forces for a series of stripped-down duets. From the first track, they dispel any suspicion of monotony in the sound. Rabbia is a resourceful player, and introduces some electronic flavours into the mix to vary the sound palette. Several of the tracks are essentially free improvisations, and Battaglia nods towards his partner with some percussive passages that work well. AV

Francois Couturier: Un jour si blanc (ECM) (12.99)

Couturier is a French pianist who has worked extensively on record with oud player Anouar Brahem, but here he's going it alone for the first time, and has delivered an absorbing album. He's a thoughtful player, much influenced by the meditative aspects of Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea, and his classical background shows in his sometimes quite formal approach to his material. He's a formidable talent, seamlessly moving between formal pieces and free playing, and in everything there is a sense of structure. AV

James Griffett: English Song Cycles. (Regis, RRC 1316) (6.99)

The first quarter of the 20th century yielded two remarkable works for voice and chamber ensemble: Vaughan Williams' On Wenlock Edge and Peter Warlock's The Curlew. There have been several distinguished recordings and this, from 1973, still counts among the best. Ilkley tenor James Griffett, intelligent and expressive, explores the drama and lyricism in each with great sensitivity. The cor anglais of Mary Murdock in The Curlew is a particular pleasure. RC

Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (RCO Live, RCO 09004) (9.99)

Mussorgsky's Pictures have been reframed for almost everything from accordions to saxophones, so it is good to hear it again in the 1922 Ravel orchestral arrangement. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has the skill to make these studies leap to life, and conductor Mariss Jansons ensures they receive the meticulous attention they deserve – clarity of detail is exceptional. The Great Gate of Kiev is possibly too highly polished in this live recording but the main deficiency is the recording's length: 33 minutes is lousy value. RC