The Messenger (2020)

performed by Hélène Grimaud (piano), Stephan Flock (sound effects), Camerata Academica Salzburg
composed by Valentin Silvestrov, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

This release by pianist Hélène Grimaud and the Camerata Salzburg was recorded, and very nicely, at the University of Salzburg's Große Universitätsaula in January of 2020. The album's graphics and annotations offer pictures of Grimaud standing in long grass in woods, although clearly not dressed for a hike, and reflect on such issues as the role of art in a pandemic. Of course, when the music was recorded, few were worried about this development, and other aspects of the album are a bit gauzy, although certainly attractive ... Read More

This release by pianist Hélène Grimaud and the Camerata Salzburg was recorded, and very nicely, at the University of Salzburg's Große Universitätsaula in January of 2020. The album's graphics and annotations offer pictures of Grimaud standing in long grass in woods, although clearly not dressed for a hike, and reflect on such issues as the role of art in a pandemic. Of course, when the music was recorded, few were worried about this development, and other aspects of the album are a bit gauzy, although certainly attractive for listeners wanting a reflective hour. Grimaud's program is innovative, especially by the standards of the venerable Deutsche Grammophon label. She divides it into two parts, the first including Mozart's two big Fantasies for piano, the first shorn of its ending (as Mozart might have done) to introduce the Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, D. 466. The second consists of works by contemporary composer Valentin Silvestrov, who has made a specialty of what he sometimes calls dialogues... Read Less