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I've been listening to a new recording of David Macbride's works for solo piano played by the composer on the Albany label. The first two tracks are sonatas written "after Scarlatti," and they manage to combine the vibrancy and energy of Scarlatti sonatas infused with a modern, jazzy edge. I remember attending a private performance at the composer's home in Hartford soon after these pieces were completed (about eight years ago). Prof. Macbride performed his new works alongside Scarlatti's (although I've forgotten now exactly which sonatas he chose), underscoring his use of the Baroque works as pivot points for his own compositions.

The sonatas are followed by a more introspective work, Still Night Thoughts. For Watson Morrison is a short piece written for a former teacher of mine and captures his personality (optimism tinged with sadness) beautifully. I only studied with Dr. Morrison for one year, yet I often find myself repeating his many caveats to my students ("Five minutes of performance are worth five hours of practice" is one of my favorites). For Wen-Chao Macbride is dedicated to the composer's mother, and assuming her picture is the one gracing the CD's cover, she was quite striking (sort of a Chinese Elizabeth Taylor).

The disc closes with Chartres, a large-scale work in three movements. Maybe I've been exposed to too much Lachenmann lately, but I did notice some similarities, particularly in "Mazes." The recording is available on Naxos' music library site, however you must be a member to listen.