IMAN: ALBUM 1
American pianist James W. Iman specializes in music written since 1900 – and mostly, post-1945. His meticulous study of the scores and also the aesthetic concepts behind them allows him to find fresh approaches to well known works as well as an ability to present new music in a relatable and clearly authentic way. As The Cross-Eyed Pianist wrote, his performances give “a very clear sense of his total commitment to this music and also how comfortable he feels in this repertoire.”
This attention to the detail of the music and its conception is particularly important in relation to the 20th century music of serialist and modernist schools which can be seen as purely mechanical without real artistic ‘spirit’.
This is the first of three recordings by Iman to be released by Métier and is a remastered re-issue of a disc from short-lived Belgian label ZeD (The other two albums are new, recorded in the summer of 2022) and focuses on two composers of the Second Viennese School (Schoenberg and Webern); one from the Darmstadt School (Boulez) and French composer Gilbert Amy, a contemporary follower of the serialist movement, and greatly inspired by Webern though writing on a larger scale. His Piano Sonata provides a fitting yet distinct counterpoint to the granitic Third Sonata of Boulez, and with strong contrast provided by the relatively early work by Schoenberg and the typically concise miniatures by Webern.
Track Listing
- Drei Klavierstücke, Op. 11 - I. Mässig (3:28)
- Drei Klavierstücke, Op. 11 - II. Mässige Achtel (7:16)
- Drei Klavierstücke, Op. 11 - III. Bewegt (2:55)
- Troisième Sonate pour Piano - I. Formant 2: Trope (8:53)
- Troisième Sonate pour Piano - II. Formant 3: Constellation-Miroir (14:41)
- Variationen für Klavier, Op. 27 - I. Sehr mässig (2:02)
- Variationen für Klavier, Op. 27 - II. Sehr schnell (0:44)
- Variationen für Klavier, Op. 27 - III. Ruhig fliessend (4:53)
- Sonate pour piano - I. Séquences (9:17)
- Sonate pour piano - II. Mutations (3:36)
- Sonate pour piano - III. Interférences (11:59)
Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951):
Pierre Boulez (1925-2016):
Anton Webern (1883-1945):
Gilbert Amy (b. 1936):
Reviews
“Listener-friendly performance, filled with warmth and color, on a superbly recorded Steinway & Sons Model D.
” —James H. North
“Iman reveals his concern for respect for the score. The performer highlights the harmonic emanations, (Four stars awarded)
” —Pierre Regaudiere
“The pianism is top-notch. Iman is a fierce and forceful advocate for the material and that he handles it with both understanding and technical skill. For those to whom material like this appeals, this release will be very welcome indeed.
” —Mark J. Estren
“An outstanding and imaginative artist. From the very first notes, one is aware of the fact that Iman is an artist and not just a technician. His phrasing and subtle use of dynamics (as well as occasional use of the hold pedal) mold and shape this music in ways I’ve never quite heard before.
” —Lynn René Bayley