Within their varied appearances and sounds, the piano, vibraphone, and marimba make up a unique family. Nonetheless, key similarities bind them together, and Sustain explores just that. The latest multi-composer release by Navona Records, Sustain presents works for various keyboards that explore not only the abilities of each instrument, but the varied approaches from five different composers. John Dante Prevedini's Lyme Sonata begins the album, looking at the sonic interplay between smooth and jagged musical voices on piano. Robert Thomas' Moto Perpetuo and Sixteen Lines Circling a Square create an audial puzzle on solo marimba and on marimba and vibraphone, respectively. Working through layered structures, each piece involves finding the answer to some mental and sonic games. Willem Van Twillert's Adagio for Piano and Andante for Antoinette presents the composer's serene, smooth, and in this case romantic, approach to writing music. Daniel Adams introduces Solstice Introspect for three vibraphones. Inspired by the feelings conjured up by the winter solstice, where the day is at it's darkest and feelings of both peace and unsettlement are stirred up, the three vibraphones play with the opposing forces of movement and stillness. John A. Carollo's Piano Etudes and Piano Suite No. 9 take listeners on a multifaceted journey inspired by the romantic sensibilities of Franz Liszt, the intensity and mischievousness of author Edward Gorey's story Doubtful Guest, and more. SUSTAIN demonstrates all that the keyboard is able to present, as well as all it's composers are able to pull from the instrument. From soft to striking, from smooth to jagged, Sustain gives it all, and everything in between.

Tracklist:

Lyme Sonata: I. Agitato
Lyme Sonata: II. Cantabile
Lyme Sonata: III. Risoluto
Piano Études, Book 3 "Histories": No. 13, To Honor The Past Is To Honor The Future (For The Past Is The Great T
Piano Études, Book 3 "Histories": No. 14, Passing On Ancient Skills
Piano Études, Book 3 "Histories": No. 15, Unmasking The Past
Moto Perpetuo
Andante For Antoinette
Sixteen Lines Circling A Square: I. -
Sixteen Lines Circling A Square: II. -
Sixteen Lines Circling A Square: III. -
Sixteen Lines Circling A Square: IV. -
Adagio
Solstice Introspect
Piano Suite No. 9 "Memories Of Liszt": I. Memories Of Liszt
Piano Suite No. 9 "Memories Of Liszt": II. The Exuberant Guest
Piano Suite No. 9 "Memories Of Liszt": III. Peace Is On The Other Side Of The Horizon
Piano Suite No. 9 "Memories Of Liszt": IV. Do We Have Time In Common?
Piano Suite No. 9 "Memories Of Liszt": V. Transcendental Incantations

UPC: 896931005074
Label: Naive
Release Date: 2.8.19
Format: CD

Adams / Rojahn - Sustain (CD)