The Sound of Black and White
The Sound of Black and White
Artist: Raffi Besalyan
Composers: Levant, Khatchaturian, Gershwin
Format: 1 CD
DSL-92249
This program is a loving tribute to A. Khachaturian, the towering musical figure from my native Armenia and to G. Gershwin, the musical genius from my adopted home, the United States. These two composers are bridged here by the phenomenal pianist/composer and Hollywood superstar, Oscar Levant. Some of the works on the album have been my loyal recital companions since childhood, the others have become such upon my immigration to America as a young adult.
The CD includes a world premiere recording of Oscar Levant's jazzy Sonatina.
Waltz from “Masquerade” suite [3:56]
Adagio from “Spartacus” [8:33]
Sonatina in C major:
I. Allegro giocoso [1:50]
II. Andante con anima, rubato [3:03]
III. Allegro mosso [3:41]
Lullaby, from “Gayane” [4:32]
Sonatina for Piano:
I. Con Ritmo [3:28]
II. Andantino poco mosso [4:21]
III. Allegro deciso [3:04]
Etude No. 2 based on “Somebody Loves Me” [3:00]
Etude No. 7 based on “Fascinatin Rhythm” [1:48]
Etude No. 4 based on “Embraceable You” [3:17]
Etude No. 3 based on “The Man I Love” [2:50]
Three Preludes for Piano:
I. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso [1:31]
II. Andante con moto e poco rubato (Blue Lullaby) [3:34]
III. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso (Spanish Prelude) [1:20]
Rhapsody in Blue [15:41]
Sabre Dance From “Gayne Ballet” [2:24]
Total Time: [72:04]
Total time: 72:04
Release date: July 23, 2021
UPC: 053479224927
“A superb piano record from Raffi Besalyan, showcasing the works of Levant, Gershwin, & Khachaturian.”
More from Sono Luminus
Quotes & Reviews
“Native DSD: Album Of The Year Nominee - Solo Piano | Besalyan is an exceptional pianist. His playing on Embraceable You, Rhapsody In Blue and Sabre Dance are highlights. But there are many more. A fine addition to the Sono Luminus catalog and the piano performances at NativeDSD.” - Brian Moura, Native DSD
“The protean technique of this formidable pianist is put to use in all of the music heard in this album, as he commands all the intricacies of Khachaturian’s concert, incidental, and dance music, and the awesome challenges of Earl Wild’s Virtuoso Etudes after Gershwin.Besalyan’s interpretive gifts comfortably encompass the classical and the salon worlds in a truly memorable album” - Rafael de Acha, All About The Arts
“an extraordinary pianist playing repertoire for which he seems especially suited. Raffi Besalyan bursts forward and literally crackles with energy… on his latest, The Sound of Black and White… Repeated hearings confirms the importance of this album. Besalyan is an ideal vehicle for this music, in many ways setting or furthering a benchmark for the various works. Bravo!” - Grego Applegate Edwards, Classical-Modern Music Review
“Highly newsworthy is the world premiere of the Piano Sonatina by Gershwin specialist Oscar Levant, a familiar figure 75 years ago but less so today. The Sonatina has a unique post-Gershwin language and makes one wants to hear more of Levant's original music. Moreover, Levant often performed Khachaturian's music, and his arrangements of two excerpts from the ballet Gayane, not common either, are included here.” “The whole thing is brilliantly performed and benefits from superb engineering at Sono Luminus' Virginia studios. A satisfying cross-cultural essay.” - James Manheim, AllMusic
“The Sound of Black & White not only distinguishes itself for fabulous interpretations by Besalyan but for its bounty of melodic riches. Works familiar and unfamiliar benefit from the formidable technical command [Besalyan] demonstrates on the seventy-two-minute recording. Listening to his inspiring presentation of jazzy syncopation and rhapsodic splendour is a bonafide pleasure.” - Ron Schepper, Textura