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American Record Guide

Ucbasaran and Gallo, piano duo from the pre­vious review [of dda 25208, “Liszt to Milhaud”], are here joined by an old friend, Chavaldas for a most unusual program. Together they were preparing to make the world premiere recording of Ahmet Adnan Saygun’s Poem when the 3-piano project grew into reality. It is an interesting collection of music composed in Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Turkey.

This is music that, except Brazil, works its way around the Mediterranean. Though Dallapiccola was noted for his 12-tone writing, this early (1935) work is firmly rooted in tonali­ty, as are the others here. With influences ranging from Orlando di Lasso and Turkish folk music to the extraverted and popular qualities of American music, this will entice you with unheard pieces, performed excep­tionally well with dedication and conviction. The booklet essay is quite detailed and the recorded sound first class.