Description
Joanne’s album takes us from the fiery brilliance of the coda of the G Minor Ballade to the pristine airiness of the opening of Mozart’s Sonata, K 332. This magical transition feels like the pianist invites us into a warm haven after rescuing us from the thunder and lightning of a raging storm…. Meyer Kupferman’s …Distances, full of deliciously altered chords, alternates between moody and placid with but one tiny outburst. The two Nocturnes on Joanne’s program occupy a special place in pianists’ hearts. The E-Flat, Op. 9, No.2 may be the most familiar to us, but that doesn’t detract from its simple attractiveness. The less familiar D-Flat Nocturne, Op. 27, No. 2 captures titular moonlight, and gripping tension which Chopin creates through harmonic means and the beauty of his gorgeous ornamentation. This one is a true gem.
Orrin Howard
Joanne Pearce Martin serves as principal keyboardist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and plays regularly as guest soloist with many orchestras in the United States and Europe. Joanne performed John Adams’ China Gates in a Los Angeles Philharmonic Green Umbrella concert celebrating the composer’s 60th birthday. It was this performance, and her collaboration with Jeffrey Kahane and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in Mozart’s Concerto for 2 Pianos in E-Flat Major that gave me the idea for this album. We recorded Orion and Joanne Pearce Martin: Barefoot with the same piano, same hall, and same equipment setup. Orion and Joanne, both virtuosic titans of the keyboard, sound very different in these recordings. Recording them as we did should enable you to enjoy them as distinct individuals with unique messages, colors and musical voices.
Bob Attiyeh, producer
