Ballades & Other Musings
Frédéric Chopin composer
Claude Debussy composer
Sarah Kirkland Snider composer
Steven Masi piano
American concert pianist Steven Masi explores the depths of Romantic and Impressionist piano literature on BALLADES & OTHER MUSINGS. Emotive, evocative, and deeply stirring, Masi uncovers previously unheard nuances in both Chopin and Debussy, as well as in their contemporary colleague, Sarah Kirkland Snider, whose musical language seamlessly blends with that of her predecessors.
The precision in Masi’s performance is breathtaking. It lends an extraordinary clarity to works that are, by their inherent nature, wayward and exalted. Still, generous rubato and creativity in pedaling shine in this program, as does Masi’s crystal-clear tone.
This album is dedicated to Joe Patrych (1956-2023).
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Track Listing & Credits
| # | Title | Composer | Performer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Impromptu No.3 in G Flat Major, Op.51 | Frédéric Chopin | Steven Masi, piano | 6:46 |
| 02 | 12 Etudes, L. 136 No. 4: Pour les Sixtes | Claude Debussy | Steven Masi, piano | 5:29 |
| 03 | Berceuse in D Flat Major, op. 57 | Frédéric Chopin | Steven Masi, piano | 4:29 |
| 04 | 12 Etudes, L. 136 No. 2: Pour les Tierces | Claude Debussy | Steven Masi, piano | 5:17 |
| 05 | Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Op.45 | Frédéric Chopin | Steven Masi, piano | 6:34 |
| 06 | Prelude (1999) | Sarah Kirkland Snider | Steven Masi, piano | 4:06 |
| 07 | 12 Etudes, L. 136 No. 3: Pour les Quartes | Claude Debussy | Steven Masi, piano | 7:04 |
| 08 | Ballade No.4 in F Minor, Op. 52 | Frédéric Chopin | Steven Masi, piano | 12:56 |
| 09 | Ballade, L. 70 | Claude Debussy | Steven Masi, piano | 9:45 |
| 10 | Ballade | Sarah Kirkland Snider | Steven Masi, piano | 7:55 |
| 11 | Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54 | Frédéric Chopin | Steven Masi, piano | 13:15 |
Recorded February 14, September 28, October 10, 2023 at Martin Patrych Memorial Studios in New York NY
Recording Session Producer & Engineer Joseph Patrych
Editing, Mixing & Mastering Joseph Patrych
Executive Producer Bob Lord
VP of A&R Brandon MacNeil
A&R Danielle Sullivan
VP of Production Jan Košulič
Audio Director Lucas Paquette
VP, Design & Marketing Brett Picknell
Art Director Ryan Harrison
Design Edward A. Fleming
Publicity Kacie Brown
Artist Information
Steven Masi
Recognized as an artist of unusual sensitivity and virtuosity, pianist Steven Masi has concertized extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. He has appeared at the Casals Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Chautauqua Festival, Park City International Festival, Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival, and Music Festival of the Hamptons. His many orchestral appearances have included series with the The Atlanta Symphony, the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and New Symphony Orchestra of London. In Germany he was an artist member of the Bonn Chamber Music Society.
