Part 3 of an invaluable series
Some of Lilburn's most impressive music was written for piano. This third disc in a projected 5-disc series starts with what is probably his most important piano piece, the grand and intense "Chaconne" that memorializes a walking trip on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. Poynton's performance is a fine one, though it's way slower than the premiere recording by Peter Cooper. Still, Poynton makes his tempi work, and the piece comes across as the major work that it is. The 1939 sonata in f sharp minor is strong, too, and the short pieces are all worthwhile, with unusual bits of wit and whimsy in a few. The music all has a strong sense of place, of air and wildness, with influences from the more abstract Copland and Scriabinesque harmonies from time to time; but it's quite individual. If you have a taste for Lilburn you'll like this, and it's a good place to start, too.
