Search - Ken Benshoof, Lisa Berman (piano) :: Ken Benshoof: 24 Preludes; Patti's Parlour Pieces

Ken Benshoof, Lisa Berman (piano)
Ken Benshoof: 24 Preludes; Patti's Parlour Pieces
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (2) - Disc #1
1. 24 Preludes
2. Patti's Parlour Pieces

CD Details

All Artists: Ken Benshoof, Lisa Berman (piano)
Title: Ken Benshoof: 24 Preludes; Patti's Parlour Pieces
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Albany Records
Original Release Date: 9/1/2005
Release Date: 9/1/2005
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 034061078623

Synopsis

Product Description

Composer and pianist Ken Benshoof was born on a Nebraska farm. He went through high school in Fairbanks, Alaska. Studies at Pacific Lutheran University and the Spokane Conservatory were followed by a two-year stint in the Army. He later attended the University of Washington, San Francisco State University and the Guildhall School in London. His most influential teachers included John Verrall, Roger Nixon, George Frederick McKay and Alfred Neiman. Primarily a composer of chamber pieces, Benshoof has received commissions from a wide variety of sources, most notably the Kronos Quartet. Benshoof's music often includes elements of folk and jazz mixed with influences from Scarlatti, Ravel, Ives, Gershwin and Rachmaninov. The composer writes, ?The 24 Preludes were composed almost without interruption over several months. I chose that name partly because of the joy I still derive from sets with the same title, most notably those by Bach, Chopin and Rachmaninov. I have not intentionally borrowed material from those composers but I did steal the key relations from Chopin- his way of going through the 24 major and minor keys.? Patti's Parlour Pieces were written in 2000 for the composer's friend, bookstore owner Patti McCall. This collection of pieces spans a large range of emotions, textures and tempi. There are jazzy blues sounds in pieces 1 and 5, and propulsive works like number 9. There are also pieces that would be right at home in the concert hall such as the jazzy piece No. 22 and the especially Rachmaninov-influenced No. 23.

CD Reviews

Extravagant Economy

Murl Sanders | Seattle, WA USA | 01/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Extravagant economy. That is the phrase that comes to mind while listening to Ken Benshoof's new CD "24 Preludes and Patti's Parlour Pieces". Mr. Benshoof's music on this disc is spare but not frugal. There are no wasted notes and each note has impact, beauty and meaning.

Lisa Bergman, the pianist on this disc, has great feeling for Ken Benshoof's music and sounds like she loves these pieces in particular. Her lovely performance of this music is transparent, letting the compositions shine through her elegant restraint and beautiful tone. Ms. Bergman's technical command is obvious to any close listener.

The pieces are deceptively simple-sounding, but with each successive listening any pianist will realize the musical challenges that are inherent in them. No fiery Lisztian technical displays here. No breathtakingly fast tempi, either. Just extremely detailed short pieces filled with evocative mood swings and styles from delightful whimsy to dark-hearted passion and sadness. As a whole I would say the lighter emotions and humour win out but this music has great range and depth for the listener.

The composer has said that his inspiration for this set comes in part from the delight of having Chopin or Bach preludes sitting on one's piano and just sitting down to enjoy playing one or two on a daily basis. I can also paraphrase Mr. Benshoof as having said "My goal was no page turns!". He has succeeded in creating some music that is accessible, tonal and consumable in small, bite-size chunks. No need to stress about the length of the pieces or overwhelming difficulties, just sit back and enjoy this music either by listening or by reading through the companion scores yourself.

A technical note about the recording: it is a pristinely recorded CD making for an excellent listening experience. The companion scores are beautifully engraved and attractively packaged and bound as well.

- Murl Allen Sanders"