Steven Osborne delivers a captivating exploration of contemporary classical piano music with his album "Feldman: Palais de Mari – Crumb: A Little Suite for Christmas." Released on Hyperion in 2016, this album showcases Osborne's remarkable versatility and technical prowess, presenting two distinct yet equally compelling works that span the breadth of 20th-century piano repertoire.
The album opens with Morton Feldman's "Palais de Mari," the composer's final solo piano work. Feldman's minimalist and introspective style is brought to life by Osborne's patient and precise playing, revealing the subtle nuances and delicate textures that make this piece a meditative journey. The second half of the album is dedicated to George Crumb's "A Little Suite for Christmas, A.D. 1979," an 'aural tableau' inspired by the frescoes in the Arena Chapel at Padua. This multi-movement suite traces the life of Christ through evocative and imaginative piano writing, with Osborne deftly navigating the complex rhythms and extended techniques that Crumb employs to create his unique soundscapes.
Throughout the album, Osborne's interpretations are marked by a deep understanding of each composer's idiom, as well as a keen sensitivity to the expressive potential of the piano. The result is a recording that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, offering listeners a fresh perspective on these modern classics. With a total runtime of just over an hour, this album is a testament to the enduring power of contemporary piano music and the artistry of Steven Osborne.
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