Richard Beaudoin's "Digital Memory and the Archive," released on February 3, 2023, under New Focus Recordings, is a captivating exploration of musical reinterpretation and archival resonance. Spanning 44 minutes, this album features six tracks, each a unique reimagining of classical and jazz pieces, showcasing Beaudoin's virtuosic piano playing and innovative approach to composition.
The album opens with "Reproducció (After Casals & Bach)," a homage to the timeless works of Johann Sebastian Bach, filtered through the lens of cellist Pau Casals. Beaudoin then pays tribute to Martha Argerich and Frédéric Chopin with "Unikat," a piece that blends technical brilliance with poetic expression. "Bacchante (After Debussy)" offers a fresh perspective on Claude Debussy's impressionistic style, while "Nachzeichnen/Tracing (After Gould & Schoenberg)" delves into the complex interplay between Glenn Gould and Arnold Schoenberg's avant-garde compositions.
"You Know I’m Yours (After Monk)" brings a jazz sensibility to Thea Monk's work, highlighting Beaudoin's versatility and ability to traverse different musical genres. The album concludes with "Les deux lauriers (After Teyte, Cortot & Debussy)" and "Trois Chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 2, La chevelure," both of which pay tribute to the rich musical heritage of Debussy and his contemporaries.
Richard Beaudoin's "Digital Memory and the Archive" is a testament to the enduring power of musical archives and the creative potential of reinterpretation. This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Vinylscout