Justin Dello Joio's 2007 release on Bridge Records is a captivating journey through the realms of classical piano music. The album, titled "Justin Dello Joio: 2 Concert Etudes, The March of Folly & Piano Sonata," showcases the composer's prowess and versatility, offering a diverse collection of pieces that span a total duration of 59 minutes.
The album opens with two Concert Etudes, "Momentum" and "A Farewell," each demonstrating Dello Joio's ability to craft intricate and expressive etudes that challenge and delight the pianist. The centerpiece of the album is "The March of Folly," a four-movement suite that explores a range of emotions and moods, from the ominous and dramatic to the introspective and serene. The suite's final movement, "Epilogue (Prayer for Chiara)," is a poignant and deeply moving piece that serves as a fitting conclusion to this impressive work.
The album concludes with a Piano Sonata, a three-movement work that showcases Dello Joio's ability to write in a variety of styles and forms. The sonata's final movement, "Finale. Fantasia," is a tour-de-force that brings the album to a thrilling and satisfying close.
Throughout the album, Dello Joio's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic vitality. The performances on this recording are exemplary, with each piece brought to life by a skilled and sensitive pianist. Whether you're a fan of classical piano music or simply looking to discover new and exciting compositions, Justin Dello Joio's 2007 album is sure to impress and inspire.