This is one of those
eternally baffling releases that begs
the question, "Why does this exist?"
Although Lydia Jardon
is a perfectly capable pianist, rendering
Chopin’s little piano vignettes with
aplomb, clarity and a great sensitivity
for the constant shifts in mood, one
wonders why a label would release so
scant a program in such a generic form.
To its credit, this
disc is somewhat of a little gem, a
short gust of fresh air in a world full
of musical clutter. But at a meager
forty-three minutes or so, I cannot
find any justification for spending
my money on an unknown pianist performing
on an unknown record label in repertoire
that is abundantly available by countless
acclaimed musicians. Add in the short
timing factor and a packaging so vanilla
that it is almost camouflaged, I cannot
imagine this one ever making it from
the shelf to the shopping cart.
Normally, I make an
effort to be a bit more detailed in
a review, but there is so little about
which to write here that I am at a loss
for words. Sound quality is fine, the
playing is quite competent, the program
notes are worthless and there is not
enough music on the disc to merit a
purchase.
Sorry, this one is
a loser.
Kevin Sutton
Lydia Jardon, piano