Pastorale

"Pastorale" is a captivating exploration of sound and silence, a testament to the creative synergy between Italian pianist Stefano Battaglia and percussionist Michele Rabbia. Released on ECM Records in January 2010, this album is a journey through the delicate interplay of piano and percussion, often enhanced by prepared piano and electronics, creating a unique sonic landscape that blurs the lines between jazz, ambient, and experimental music.

Recorded in March 2009 and released the following year, "Pastorale" features a series of improvised and composed duets that showcase the musicians' sensitivity to the tonal implications of their instruments. Stefano Battaglia, known for his classical training, reminds us that the piano is also a percussion instrument, while Michele Rabbia's nuanced approach to drums and cymbals adds depth and texture to the music. The album's spare, minimalist aesthetic is reminiscent of John Cage, inviting the listener to appreciate the subtle nuances and intricate details of each performance.

The album's eleven tracks, including standouts like "Antifona Libera," "Kursk Requiem," and "Tanztheater," offer a diverse range of moods and atmospheres, from the contemplative to the exhilarating. Throughout "Pastorale," Stefano Battaglia and Michele Rabbia demonstrate a remarkable ability to shape the music together, whether playing with or without scores, in material that is variously open-form or tightly-controlled. The result is an album that is both intimate and expansive, a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of spontaneous creation.