Manuscripts Don’t Burn
Sono Luminus, 2024
10/10
The always fascinating pianist Inna Faliks presents works that touch on her Ukrainian home, where the works of Clarice Assad, Ljova Zhurbin, Veronika Krausas, Maya Miro Johnson, and Mike Garson are executed flawlessly.
“Master and Margarita Suite For Speaking Pianist” opens with spoken word, before the elegant and articulate keys guide us through 7 movements of diverse progressions, and “Gretchem am Spinnrade” follows with flowing, gorgeous finger acrobatics that are mesmerizing.
The title track lands closer to the middle, and it emits soft and unpredictable moments that are both intimate and cinematic, while “Am Meer (By The Sea)” is a poetic album highlight that’s heartfelt, emotive and full of beauty.
Residing close to the end, the dreaminess of “Voices” swirls with mystery and historical recordings, and the swift, animated “Hero” showcases Faliks’ stunning abilities that are gripping and memorable.
A body of work that illustrates her love of dialogue between music and words, the text present truly does add another avenue of Faliks’ unparalleled piano prowess.
Travels well with: Vedrana Subotić- Chiaroscuro; Ulysses Quartet- Shades Of Romani Folklore