Reviews
Mainly Piano Review: PIANO SONORITIES
Originally published by: Mainly Piano, Kathy Parsons
“Piano Sonorities: Music By Betty R. Wishart is the first recording of Ms. Wishart’s solo piano music on the Ravello Records label. The music is performed by award-winning pianist Jeri-Mae G. Astolfi and highlights the composer’s use of distinctive harmonic structures, tension, and space.”
Piano Sonorities: Music By Betty R. Wishart is the first recording of Ms. Wishart’s solo piano music on the Ravello Records label. The music is performed by award-winning pianist Jeri-Mae G. Astolfi and highlights the composer’s use of distinctive harmonic structures, tension, and space. Wishart makes extensive use of intervals of seconds, fourths, and sevenths in her music as she explores various facets of the human condition. The music on this album ranges from rhythmic and playful to very open, free-form pieces that will obviously affect different people in different ways. Wishart’s music has been performed in Europe, South Korea, Russia, and throughout the US in diverse venues and institutions. She is a member of the music faculty at Campbell University (North Carolina) and has received awards that include American Pen Women, Composers Guild, and American College of Musicians. This is the first time I’ve heard Betty R. Wishart’s music, and while it is fascinating, it won’t suit everyone’s musical taste. If you are looking for music akin to artists like David Lanz or Robin Spielberg, this album most likely won’t do. However, if you enjoy contemporary classical music that is more challenging and intellectual, keep reading!
Jeri-Mae Astolfi is my favorite classical pianist. She is an ardent supporter of new music and has commissioned and recorded the music of several contemporary composers – including Phillip Schroeder – as well as a variety of compilations and collaborative works. Her repertoire ranges from the Renaissance through the present, and she has been the recipient of numerous performance and research awards and grants. Dr. Astolfi has received invitations to many regional, national, and international music forums, where she has premiered and lectured on new piano music. She frequently serves as a piano clinician, coach, and master class instructor and is currently serving as an Artist in Residence at Piedmont College in Georgia.
-Mainly Piano, Kathy Parsons