Pianist Glauco Venier goes solo, but not in the sense of playing music alone. His classical and romantic style of piano is accompanied by his own dubbed percussive backgrounds and framing. Gongs, bells, metals and things that go bump in the night accompany moody themes like “Byzantine Icon” and the meditative “Prayer.” Many of the pieces are contemplative improvisations, but you also get material from the likes of the famous Armenian monk Komitas, so you get some stark shadows on “Ritual” with dark backgrounds, while “Tiziano’s Painting” is reflective with a chiming support under the flickering candle of Venier’s piano musings. Impressive and impressionistic.
ECM Records