Dutilleux / Boulez / Messiaen: Notations & Sketches – Alexander Soares

Piano International (May, 2019)
British pianist Alexander Soares is enjoying a growing reputation as an interpreter of modern French piano music; this is his debut album. He starts with Dutilleux’ phenomenal, under-rated Piano Sonata, finding Messiaen-like glowing spirituality in the harmonies of the central Lied while retaining its ominous underpinnings. It is a fine account. Dedicatee Geneviève Joy holds a specific place in the work’s recording history, and John Chen and John Ogdon offer strong competition, but Soares’ account is compelling. The Préludes each explore a specific mood or technique to which Soares is perfectly attuned.

The two Boulez pieces are separated by some 60 years. Notations finds Soares matching virtuosity and exploratory curiosity, fierce …