Peter Seabourne: Steps, Vol. 1

Shin, Minjeong

Peter Seabourne’s Steps series has become, if not exactly a diary, then perhaps a compositional travelling companion. Begun in 2001 it has swelled to five large volumes and he plans more. This, the missing first, is a collection of pieces written over five years rather than a true cycle like the subsequent sets. It spans a wide range of scale and approach, from sets of small pieces to substantial, almost symphonic works. The series was hailed by Allegro as one of the most important of the 21st century. This “anthology” gathers together pieces written after the composer’s “rebirth” following a twelve year silence; a veritable flood of beauty, energy and emotional power. The pianist Minjeong Shin first played Seabourne’s work in Minnesota in 2011. Here she gives stupendous performances of great energy and heartfelt poetry.

Price: $27.98