Pianist and composer Igor Yakovenko crafts an enveloping piano-driven sound throughout Promenade, an album that pays tribute to Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. The Moscow-based Yakovenko crafts 12 pieces that reflect Mussorgsky’s original themes, while also pursuing inventive territory via improvisation and eclectic stylistic inspirations — including jazz, classical, and experimental. “For me, the heritage of the past is a treasure trove to be reimagined and shared with new audiences,” Yakovenko says.
The opening title track envelops in its dynamic progressions, moving from a lush piano contemplation into an escalating intrigue past the first minute. “Gnomus” follows with an initial darker intrigue; the twinkling piano tones intertwine with deeper, foreboding ruminations as a climactic culmination arises into the chilling three-minute mark. In the more tranquilly delicate spectrum, “Ballet of Unhatched Chicks” casts a wintry spell in its quaintly effective piano glistening.
A particularly impactful showcase in tonal momentum comes in “Limoges, le marché (La grande nouvelle),” where clanging piano intensity builds cohesively into gently immersive embraces. The frantic piano work within “The Hut on Fowl’s Legs (Baba-Yagá)” also excels, strutting an increasing vibrancy and intensity that lingers with replay-inducing effect. Promenade is a stirring success from Igor Yakovenko.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
