Search - Easley Blackwood, Charles Ives, Carl Nielsen :: Introducing Easley Blackwood

A virtuoso pianist & composer

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 02/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a sampling of Easley Blackwood's artistry as pianist and composer. His skill as pianist is remarkable, and he interprets the music of 4 other composers on this disc, as well as 6 of his own compositions. Tracks 4-6, Carl Nielsen's "Three Pieces, Op. 59", out of his "Radical Piano" CD, is great, and in Blackwood's hands sparkles...and the most "modern" selection on this disc, the Moderato from Elliot Carter's "Sonata for Cello and Piano", with Barbara Haffner on cello is another favorite.His own compositions are wonderful and varied. I especially like the lovely "Seven Bagatelles". Mr. Blackwood is Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, and he has taught there since '58...he's also one of the founding members of the fabulous Chicago Pro Musica, a group that has done so much for new American classical music.
I first heard Blackwood in his stunning performance of Leonard Bernstein's "Prelude, Fugue and Riffs", on the CD titled "Ebony Concerto" featuring fellow Pro Musica founding member (and extraordinary clarinet virtuoso) John Bruce Yeh, and he's been delighting me with his music ever since."

Amazing CD at a bargain price !

Alejandra Vernon | 08/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Masterful performances and wonderful recordings. There is an abundance of magic on this disc: Artistry , dedication and musical integrity can be felt throughout but in a warm embracing way . You get hit with lots and lots of notes in rapid succession but they are fluid and lyrical and create an impression that remains long after the last note has faded.
Varied and consistently excellent is how I would describe this offering. Very highly recommended. *****"