Bill Evans: The Miscellany of Rare Transcriptions

The discography of Andreas Scholl, one of the most exciting countertenors of his generation, has been a source of delight for many music enthusiasts. His latest collaboration with Accademia Bizantina and Alessandro Tampieri is no exception. This album is a showcase of Neapolitan music from the 18th century, featuring both famous and lesser-known composers such as Pergolesi, Vivaldi, Pasquale Anfossi, and Leonardo Vinci.

The unifying theme throughout this album is the anguish of Mary incident to Christ's crucifixion. This theme is expertly woven together through a mix of instrumental music, oratorio extracts, and vocal performances. The disc culminates in Vivaldi's electrifying setting of the 'Stabat Mater' text.

One of the standout features of this album is Shuann Chai's powerful performance on the fortepiano. Her playing is marked by obvious joy and stylistic insight, bringing a unique perspective to Schubert's music. The fortepiano's limited dynamic range and distinct timbre allow her to illustrate what Schubert was up against in the early 19th century, demonstrating how he managed those limits.

Historical-instrument recordings often face criticism for being too mannered or exaggerated. However, this album demonstrates that with a talented performer like Shuann Chai at the helm, historical instruments can be used to great effect. Schubert's music is a perfect test case for these arguments, and it's always exciting to hear a new performance on the fortepiano.

Overall, Bill Evans: The Miscellany of Rare Transcriptions is a masterclass in musical storytelling, showcasing the anguish of Mary incident to Christ's crucifixion through a diverse range of Neapolitan music from the 18th century. With Andreas Scholl's powerful vocals and Shuann Chai's virtuosic fortepiano playing, this album is a must-listen for fans of classical music.

Bill evans the miscellany of rare transcriptions