There are 26 short tracks in 76 minutes of music in this stimulating recital. Its title work is six short pieces brilliantly interpreting the sounds of various painting techniques used by artists in an imaginative, modern style with the vividly recorded, eagerly played sounds of the piano. Stephen De Pledge then accompanies excellent tenor Christopher Bowen in 11 songs in Snatches, from Baptised Generations, based on the poignant short poems of Emily Dickinson, and Tre Canti, where the composer illustrates three poems by Marco Buchieri.
Five Denis Glover poems used in Old Mick provide a more Kiwi-type of inspiration, and in Das Lied von dem Fisch, a wild six-part musical joke piece (evolved from a vet operating on a constipated goldfish!), skilled soprano Jennifer Maybee enjoys the splendid opportunities to be wildly theatrical.
Four Sentimental Songs completes this feast of modern creativity by Lyell Cresswell, who now lives in London as one of New Zealand’s most important contemporary composers with an international reputation. This disc is a chance to hear his witty songs and interestingly provoked piano pieces that have not previously been heard or recorded. Full marks to the dynamic playing of De Pledge and the range of emotions expressed by Bowen and Maybee.
A piano concerto by Cresswell, recipient of a 2016 NZ Arts Foundation Laureate Award, was played in its premiere performance by Michael Houstoun and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra last year. I hope it may become available on record.
Verdict: Splendid piano sounds with vocal effects.
