David Holzman surely stands among the greatest living exponents of 20th-century American music. The 58 year old New York pianist's last CD (Music of Wolpe, BRIDGE 9116) was Grammy nominated, won the 2003 Indie Award for "Best Classical CD of the Year", and won a Deems Taylor award. This new disc continues along that same intensely virtuosic path, with heroic readings of seminal works of Roger Sessions (1896- 1985) and Ralph Shapey (1921-2002). These performances simply must be heard to be believed! What distinguishes Holzman's superb pianism from so many others is his uncommonly deep musical vision which lends poetry and unity to even the most complex and sprawling structures. Here are pianism and musicianship of the very highest order.
Reviews:
“Pianist David Holzman is an extraordinarily accomplished performer. That he knows these works intimately goes without saying. He gives this music soul. It left me breathless.” - American Record Guide
“This is an exceptional disc in several ways. It stands out as an act of advocacy for two composers who have been out of the limelight since their deaths, and who wrote avowedly ‘difficult’ music, almost daring audiences to appreciate their stringent, demanding vision. On top of it, the pianist writes suitably challenging, intellectually chewy notes. And Bridge’s sonics are bracingly big and clear. This could be a Want List item for me come year’s end.” - Fanfare
“Roger Sessions and Ralph Shapey are such audibly different and yet, aesthetically at least, highly complementary composers that coupling a selection of their piano music can only be to the gain of both. Strongly recommended.” - International Record Review
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Roger Sessions
Piano Sonata No. 1
Piano Sonata No. 3
Ralph Shapey
Mutations
Mutations II
21 Variations
David Holzman, piano
BRIDGE 9243