"Inner Cities" is a monumental exploration of sound and silence, composed by Alvin Curran and masterfully performed by award-winning pianist Gabriella Smart. Spanning an impressive 4 hours and 20 minutes, this avant-garde and minimalist album is a testament to Smart's virtuosity and Curran's unique compositional vision. The album comprises eleven tracks from Curran's expansive cycle, each piece a journey into the depths of the piano's expressive range.
Recorded and released by Room 40 in October 2020, "Inner Cities" is a slow and immersive listening experience, inviting listeners to engage deeply with the music. The album's narrative unfolds with the same intensity as a desert landscape, revealing beauty, brutality, and rawness in equal measure. Each track, from the delicate "Inner Cities 3 – For Toy Piano: Light Flowers/Dark Flowers II" to the expansive "Inner Cities 6 and 7," offers a unique perspective on the urban environments that inspired Curran's compositions.
Gabriella Smart's performance is nothing short of extraordinary. Her technical prowess and interpretive sensitivity bring Curran's compositions to life, making "Inner Cities" a standout release in the realm of contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of avant-garde piano music or a curious newcomer, "Inner Cities" promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Vinylscout