VLADIGEROV IMPRESSIONS Hirose

Pancho Vladigerov, composer; Etsuko Hirose, performer
Mirare Records (2021)

New on the Mirare label is ‘Impressions’ – Etsuko Hirose’s performances of piano works by the 20C Bulgarian composer and teacher Pancho Vladigerov. The album comprises of a set of ‘Impressions’ plus a Bulgarian-themed suite.

‘Langueur’ is immediately attractive, water rippling from Hirose’s hands, in gently descendant lines. These invert as the mood heightens before resolving with deeper undertones. ‘Étreinte’ conjures an image of silent movie stars. Its swirling colours infuse a downtime of a 1920s Parisian cocktail bar. ‘Valse-Caprice’ is an enchanting and thrilling waltz, with a pleasing variation in tempo. Again, Hirose contains an emotive response to affect a delicate balance. ‘Caresse’ offers an air of nostalgia. Its influences range from Late Romantic to early Music Hall. ‘Élégance’ also marks the intersection between Romantic and Modern. Another intimate recording: ‘clean’, effortless, and elegance indeed.


Intimacy follows with ‘Aveu’, in fine balance, concerning tone and dynamics, to complement what could otherwise become overly-florid. On ‘Le rire (Scherzo humoristique)’, Hirose’s technique is truly expert, to maintain a steadied flow of sound. An intricate composition rendered smooth and natural. ‘Passion’ offers big chords marking a Rachmaninov-esque melody. Again, and cleverly, not overplayed. Further akin to Rach, in its attractive syncopation, the left and right hand seem to cross-phase. ‘Surprise’ lets in a shade darker, with slightly foreboding minor chords. However, its spirit lightens, with the space between ranges widening near close. ‘Résignation (Élégie)’ paints a now-familiar landscape. It unwinds with upended arpeggios, to end on a single note.

‘Suite Bulgare’ commences with ‘Quasi Marcia (Marche)’. An energising march not rushed which midway relents to a slower stride. And then, a steady uphill climb, pushing forward to a pleasing reiteration. Within ‘Chant’ may be heard echoes of Satie’s ‘Gnossienne’ intricately woven between melodic and harmonic threads. Its repeated motifs gently build, to engage the mental construct of the listener. It is one of the most carefully considered compositions on the collection. ‘Chorowodna’ provides a change of pace, with ‘crunchy’ note-clusters setting-up a pleasing semi-ostinato. This dips, beautifully, to a pared-down version. Revealing, in simplification, a greater melodic strength. ‘Ratschenitza (Danse bulgare)’ is something of a release. A lively, dancey, and capricious offering of a distinctly folksy influence. It paints an alluring and pastoral picture, though adventurous within the frame of tradition.

Why not a prelude to end...? More touches of Rach: expansive chords, bulking-out a romantic and poetic melody. To subtly pull-back, ebbing, flowing, in a sweeping wave of sound. Hirose’s ever fuller and richer tone makes for a satisfying finale.

– Martin Slidel 

Available to purchase here. 

#Bulgaria #BulgarianComposer #ClassicalMusic #EtsukoHirose #Impressions #MartinSlidel #Mirare #ModernMusic #MusicReview #NewCD #NewRelease #PanchoVladigerov #Piano #Romantic #Vladigerov

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