Ives: Piano Sonata No. 2 / Copland: Piano Sonata

Dive into the captivating world of American classical music with Easley Blackwood's exquisite rendition of two monumental piano sonatas. Released on January 1, 1991, under the Cedille label, this album presents a compelling journey through the works of Charles Ives and Aaron Copland, two titans of American composition.

Easley Blackwood, a renowned pianist and professor, brings his profound understanding and technical mastery to this recording. The album opens with Ives' monumental "Concord Sonata," a four-movement work inspired by the transcendentalist philosophers and authors who lived in Concord, Massachusetts. Each movement is named after a different figure: Emerson, Hawthorne, The Alcotts, and Thoreau. Ives' innovative and often dissonant style is a challenge for any pianist, but Blackwood navigates these complex waters with aplomb, offering a nuanced and insightful interpretation.

The second half of the album features Copland's Piano Sonata, a more accessible but no less engaging work. Composed in 1941, it reflects Copland's signature style, blending neoclassical elements with a distinctly American sound. Blackwood's playing is both precise and expressive, bringing out the lyrical beauty and rhythmic vitality of Copland's music.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes, this album offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Easley Blackwood's interpretations of these important works are sure to captivate and inspire.