Allen Shawn’s music for piano is showcased in this third volume of his music. Slowly, over the past few years, Albany’s progressive releases of the piano music of Allen Shawn have made it clear that this is one of the most substantial and memorable bodies of work for the instrument of any living American composer. The series showcases a composer whose range of expression, technique and tone are enviable. A multi-faceted artist, Allen Shawn (b.1948) was raised in a literary millieu and has carved out an additional significant career as a writer, but he is a composer first, and one of the major American composer-pianists. His output includes many orchestral works, three chamber operas, songs, choral music, chamber music and works for piano. He is on the music faculty at Bennington College. This is the third volume on the Albany Records series devoted to his music for piano.
"... This is music of high intelligence and considerable poetry, and of no discernible ’school’ or fashion. Shawn avoids facile neo-romanticism - there is plenty of challenge and complexity - but the urge to communicate strong emotion is always apparent..."
Jack Sullivan - American Record Guide - November/December 2012
"... Anyone interested in music of quality, no matter its compositional stance,will find much to appreciate in this important release."
Robert Schulslaper. - Fanfare - November/December 2012