Great Finds: Dinnerstein’s Inventions & A Carbon Fiber Phoenix
Simone Dinnerstein: Bach Inventions & Sinfonias
“An instrumental training is as much a training in how to listen as in how to play. In the text that accompanies the Inventions, Bach calls them ‘an honest guide.’ His Inventions and Sinfonias are marvels in demonstrating just how potent counterpoint is as an aid to expression, and how powerful a cantabile voice can be when surrounded by contradiction and elaboration. These small masterpieces have snippets of dances in them, laments and celebrations, simplicity and complexity.”
And that is precisely what is so wonderful about this recording. From the simple to the elaborate, each performance is crafted within it’s own world with a balance of beauty and clarity.
There are no voices that fade to mere background here. This is true 3D playing with all voices contributing to the total musical affect. These performances are crafted utilizing all the resources of our modern piano, yet without excess.
As the pieces unfold, her tone moves from luscious, to brilliant, to somber, and more. I appreciate the way her individual interpretations allow the set evolve. I also love the way she begins with Invention #2 in C Minor and places the first, in C Major, at the end of the set.
The recording was released on January 21, 2014 and is available in both CD and digital formats.
This new English piano is the result of a collaboration between Hurstwood Farm Piano Studio and Steingraever & Sohne. The soundboard and action are made of Carbon Fiber and the piano features a new bridge system to allow the soundboard to vibrate more freely.
I’d love to hear one. I wish I could play one! Have any of you?
