Luminous – inspired by Mozart

If you’re not acquainted with the Hush series, recorded in Australia and benefiting children’s hospitals throughout the country, this is a great starting point. It features the music of Mozart, with a twist – but not so much so that your favourites will seem desecrated. On the contrary this is a chance to hear them afresh (did you ever say you were done with Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik?), particularly as all tracks are “reconceptions” of Mozart’s music by contemporary musician, Joe Chindamo. Chindamo is a pianist (usually associated with jazz) so it’s hardly surprising that the piano features on every track – including the first movement of Symphony No 40 in G minor, which also has violin, cello, bass and drums. Violinist Zoe Black leads the ensemble into new territory for Mozart: a seemingly improvised flirtation with the familiar theme, mindful of Stephane Grappelli. This style is picked up by Chindamo, with sympathetic treatment from the rest of the band. If you play the disc from the beginning there will be no shocks, just pleasant surprises. Chindamo plays solo to begin, with the first track an interpretation of the Mozart clarinet concerto’s second movement. Having reviewed a more conventional treatment of this work just recently, I have to say I could not pick up a connection between it and the pianist’s cool jazz treatment. Somehow, it didn’t matter. Similarly, the Eine Kleine Nachtmusik proved to be just the starting point for a piano solo, an elegiac duet with cello, a sprightly pizzicato third movement that added violin to the mix (and yet, was the closest to the feel of the original). Piano, violin and string quartet rounded off the work. Strongly recommended to anyone jaded by lacklustre performances of the original – or simply, a glut of them. The two movements from the Piano Concerto in Bb major K595 are beautifully realised, and remind the listener of the intention of the Hush collection: to reduce and anxiety for those in need. Among the best tracks in an excellent album are the two based on the Piano Sonata in A major K331, the first of which teams Chindamo’s “other” instrument (piano accordion) with Black’s violin. For introducing some fun to the children’s ward the Magic Flute overture (piano, bass, drums and strings) is the winner in my book. This CD will not only bring peace to patients and those caring for them, as intended, it will be played and replayed for sheer enjoyment. Another Hush triumph! Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Luminous – inspired by Mozart Hush Collection volume 11 Out now on Hush Joe Chindamo – Piano/Piano Accordion All compositions by Joe Chindamo and performed by: Daniel Farrugia – Percussion Philip Rex – Bass Zoe Black – Violin Sarah Curro – Violin Caroline Henbest – Viola Josephine Vains – Cello Clarinet Concerto in B flat K 622 2nd movement (Adagio) Symphony No 40 in g minor K 550 1st movt. (Molto allegro) Eine Kleine Nachtmusik 1st movement (Allegro) Eine Kleine Nachtmusik 2nd movement (Romance) Klein Nachtmusik 3rd movement (Menuetto) Eine Kleine Nachtmusik 4th movement (Serenade) Piano concerto in B flat K 595 2nd movement (Larghetto) Piano concerto in B flat K 595 3rd movement (Allegro) The Magic Flute Overture Piano concerto no 21 in C K 467 2nd movement (Andante) Violin sonata in B flat K 454 2nd movement (Andante) Piano sonata in A major K 331 1st movement (Andante grazioso) Piano accordion version Piano sonata in A major K 331 1st movement (Andante grazioso)