Federico Mompou (1893-1987) - a Spanish composer of miniature piano, guitar, choral and vocal works had a sense of complex harmony that rivals the most inventive of contemporary Jazz players. His compositions are reflective, introspective and just plain beautiful. There are threads of Eric Satie and Gabriel Faure in his music - lots of space, impeccably rational harmonic resolutions that defy description; it is New Age without being insulting, it is Jazz without swing, Impressionism without all the notes. To study his harmonies and voicings would be a serious education for any Jazz pianist looking to open some new doors.
There are about 27 CD's of Mompou piano music listed on Rhapsody - my favorites for the rich harmonic stuff are the Piano Music of Mompou performed by Jordi Maso and the newest release by Jenny Lin entitled "Silent Music". Some of his music is more harmonically adventurous than others - I suggest some patient surfing to find the real meaty stuff and enjoy the other stuff along the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave comments here!