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Michele Tozzetti captures Leonard Bernstein's solo piano music with meticulous detail / Classical Music Sentinel

None of the piano "greats" seem to have performed or recorded the solo piano music of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Perhaps simply because most of it, with some exceptions, does not speak directly to the heart but instead appeals to the intellect. Italian pianist Michele Tozzetti captures and projects all of these facets of a complex individual very well, with meticulous attention to details, accents, and rhythmic alterations. His delivery is always clear and unmuddled, which suits the motivic manipulations very well, and avoids adding extra emotional baggage to the more intimate pieces. These are highly personal and introverted musical statements from a man who used to revel in spectacular musical opulence, and Tozzetti treats them as such, and leaves the listener feeling like he's just had an intimate conversation with the composer. Highly recommended if you want to explore yet another facet of Leonard Bernstein, a true 20th century 'Renaissance' man.

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