Recommended Find: Hikaye

This review was originally published in the American Record Guide May/Jun2020, Vol. 83, Issue 3, p. 155 issue. 

KONSTANTINIDIS: 8 Greek Island Dances; BABADJANIAN: 6 Pictures; ERKIN: Duyuslar; MOKRANJAC: 6 Dances; GALLAND: Jeux; BLOCH: Ex-voto; FRANCK: Danse Lente; TAKEMITSU: Litany

Isil Bengi, p—Fuga Libera 759—59 minutes

This is a fascinating and unique program of rhythmic works by a wide array of composers. Turkish-Belgian pianist Isil Bengi is a powerful and creative pianist, introducing listeners to music from Armenia, Switzerland, Japan, Belgium, Greece, and Yugoslavia. These works are often folk-infused, such as the 8 Greek Island dances. Babadjanian’s 6 Pictures are often quite spare and austere, reminiscent of Prokofieff’s Visions Fugitives.

The playing is very poignant. Mokranjac’s 6 Dances have a neo-classical element mixed with folk. The high point of the program is Stephane Galland’s killer set of pieces called Jeux. He is known as a jazz musician, and his last movement is a tour de force of perpetual rhythm—a monster of a piece.

A wonderful debut album.