Pensare Piano

Karen Garrett

2002 / Karen Garrett

47’02”

“Pensare Piano” (“Reflecting at the Piano”) is a lovely collection of classical piano solos played lovingly and capably by Karen Garrett. The CD includes two pieces by JS Bach; two by Beethoven; one each by Handel, Mozart, and Chopin; and five by the late pianist and film composer Frank Sanucci. While none of the pieces are particularly difficult or showy, it’s a very pleasant CD for quiet moments spent reflecting or reading, or as a backdrop for a meal. Since Chopin’s “Nocturne in Eb” is such a workhorse, I was a little shocked to hear it played as though a metronome was ticking away - no rubato at all except at the end - and quite a few of the ornaments were simplified. The piano teacher in me says, “shame, shame!” Otherwise, it’s a nice collection - not remarkable or exciting - but a very pleasant 47 minutes of familiar and not-so-familiar pieces. It is available from www.karengarrett.org.

- Kathy Parsons

MainlyPiano.com

6/22/03