Beata Moon is a Korean-American pianist and
composer. She trained as a pianist at the Juilliard School and
is known for her specialism in new music. As a composer, she
is self-taught, and her compositional style encompasses a range
of genres, from the classical tradition to film and popular
music.
The
CD begins with the charming Piano Sonata, a substantial
four movement work lasting around 17 minutes. Each movement
takes on its own character, with a bold and majestic first,
and an energetically rhythmic second. The third movement is
simple and calm, using mostly four part chords, and the piece
draws to a close with the exciting finale, which is more ‘filmy’
in style with its grand sweeping gestures and at times more
adventurous harmony. The ending is perhaps a little abrupt;
there is room for further development in a work of this substance.
In
Transit,
composed in 1999, is reminiscent of Bernstein and Shostakovich,
and one can’t help but be reminded of Stravinsky in some of
the thumping bass lines - such as in the movement, Chug-A,
track 7. The piece has drive and the more jazzy moments have
poise and sophistication. The piece is made up of five movements,
each of which lasts under a minute and a half. On the CD, they
flow seamlessly from one to another, leaving the impression
of a single continuous movement.
The
aggressive opening to Guernica (track 11) is very different
from the other works on the disc. The harmony is more dissonant
and here we can hear the full flair of the performer. Unfortunately
the gutsiness dissipates and the style of the music returns
to what we have, by now, become accustomed to.
Mention
should also made of the Piano Fantasy, which was possibly
conceived as a tribute to the various famous fantasy pieces
in the piano’s repertoire. Moon’s flawless technique allows
for fluidity and evenness and the treble and bass become, at
times, different characters within the work.
In
general, I enjoyed listening to this CD. I particularly enjoyed
the more dissonant moments, perhaps partially because they provided
variety and partially because I was at times willing Ms Moon
to let rip a little more. The piano playing is excellent and
the sound quality of the recording is impressive. I was particularly
attracted by the clarity of the recording. However, for me,
a whole disc of this music was too much. A little more variety
was needed to maintain my interest. The majority of works here
are short, and are ideal as recital pieces as they would complement
both traditional and contemporary works.
Carla Rees
Beata Moon (piano)
