Lisa Pressman: Quiet Goodbye
Opus Fromus

The title of pianist Lisa Pressman's latest solo piano recording references a leave-taking of sorts, but hopefully it signifies nothing more than the title of one of the release's ten settings. Certainly the high calibre of the writing and the performances represent the work of an artist in the full bloom of her career than someone bidding it adieu. It doesn't hurt either that Pressman performs these eloquent meditations on her Bösendorfer Concert Grand piano, an instrument whose clarity and resonance amplify the beauty of her playing. Chances are you'll find Pressman categorized as a New Age pianist, but labels fall by the wayside the moment the playing begins.

Pressman strikes an excellent balance between heart and mind. Revealing their creator's keen, analytical sensibility, the compositions are sophisticated in their construction, yet a vivid emotional dimension is expressed too. Her attempt to give authentic voice to nostalgia, joy, melancholy, serenity, and appreciation is successfully realized in the performances. That she's a vocalist as well as pianist is intimated by the vocal-like character of the songs' melodies, which one could imagine being sung as easily as played.

Pressman has accompanied each track title with a few words to convey the character of the material, but truth be told it's hardly needed when the playing communicates with immediacy. Contrasts aside, the settings share certain qualities. They're generally harmonious, introspective, and tranquil, and as a result a representative reverie such as “So Long Ago” soothes in a way that invites the designation ‘healing' music. They're evocative too, so much so that images of restorative nature settings come to mind, a quality bolstered by track titles such as “Willow” and “Seven Days of Winter.” Arrangements are neither minimal nor maximal; instead, a pleasing balance is achieved that allows space and detail to sit comfortably side-by-side. In keeping with the tone of the music, Pressman's touch is delicate and the playing refined. One is carried away by this transporting music (one piece is fittingly titled “Lighter Than Air”), its impact lingering long after the album's fifty-four minutes are over.

January 2022