Bach: A Strange Beauty

I like classical music although I am not at all knowledgable about it. There is something immediately refreshing about this and I think she feels each piece deeply.

To be honest, I wouldn't know a good classical piano work if it ran over me, but I had a unique experience this past weekend at which I was introduced to Simone's work. She appeared in what could best be described as an experiment with her friend and fellow artist, Tift Merritt, herself basically an alt-country rocker. They had collaborated over the past few months on a project in which each of them stepped completely out of her comfort zone. Tift, who doesn't read music, had to learn that discipline, and Simone, disciplined by so many years of classical piano study, had to allow herself to improvise. Tift sang old classics, something I've never heard her even mention having any interest in, and Simone improvised both on music she played to accompany the singing and on classical pieces she played during her part of the program. And it all worked, so now I feel compelled to give this album a try to see what I've been missing. It would really be interesting if Merritt and Dinnerstein were to collaborate on a recording of their project. In any case, I'm giving Simone the benefit of the doubt for now and scoring this effort at 4 stars - it might go higher or lower after I've had a chance to let it sink in a bit.

I thinks this is a great effort on Simone's part. It's thoroughly entertaining. A well-produced, well-rounded offering. It may not be the perfect cup of tea for the well-heeled crowd but I found it a joy. Moreover, my 11-year old daughter listed for hours. She's a big fan of Simone so the pdf file was an extra piece of entertainment for her.

Beach A Strange Beauty lovely

A relaxing addition for your ipod. Excellent for that long ride home on the bus or train, late evening with a cup of Joe! A fine presentation that is delicate yet powerful with self expression.

I will admit. I am a typical Baroque music snob and prefer authentic instruments, but while Bach did not have a piano at his disposal to create these works, had he been given a chance, I believe he would have been pleasantly surprised by the extra dimensions the modern piano can afford his music over a harpsichord. Dinnerstein's breakout Goldberg Variations recording was a favorite for me - and set her world in motion as a serious classical pianist. This disc is just as bright with a careful review of keyboard literature that represent Bach as teacher, performer, composer and musician. Of course, I have recordings of most of this literature performed on harpsichord, but these recordings present us with a different perspective to Bach with a spry and not overly cerebral interpretation of his works. I am eager to hear Dinnerstein evolve into other literature, such as the complicated works of Beethoven or Schumann, brilliantly interpreted by Richard Goode, or the cheerful and technically astounding works of Mozart (great recordings by Uchida). As a young pianist, however, she is making her name as a solid interpreter of Bach. I recommend a download.

Very strong, fresh, interesting and a great interpretation of Bach... I feel it and love it!

Bach on Grand Piano? Yuk!

I really cant pinpoint it off the top of my head, but something about this is just lacking. I understand the musical style of the time and I get what she is trying to do here, but I just feel the performance lacks spark here. Although the technique is good, I feel like it lacks emotion. And before you start, yes I do know about the style of the time period.

She takes a fairly liberal approach to the music, not that that's a bad thing, it's just different. Check it out if you're open, if you're a stuffy conservatory elitist, you probably have "better" already.