Amir Farid performs the complete piano pieces of Stuart Greenbaum composed between 1989 and 2014.
This 2 CD release features over two hours of Greenbaum’s output for solo piano spanning a quarter of a century (1989–2014). This comprehensive achievement presents the works chronologically, recorded by a single artist on the same piano in the same room – a unique undertaking. Farid’s reading of the music is masterful, the performances beautiful, profound.
Greenbaum says: “the pure feel and sound of the piano is like a second language to me. Some of the music is occasional (written for births, deaths, weddings and birthdays); some works were written in response to works of art or established repertoire (communing with the canon of Western Art Music); others were deliberately blank canvasses inviting more abstract development of musical language. Throughout this, the influence of minimalism, contemporary jazz, blues and rock can be found interwoven with the chromatic, tonal language of the classical repertoire. The piano is not only a beautiful instrument; for me it has been an important tool for musical thinking and for the development of my compositional language.
“I often conceive of music in terms of journeys, but I also believe that music should be appreciable as pure, abstract sound in time. Either way, my music aims to evoke an atmosphere apart from the routine of modern life. I believe in the need to cultivate space in a world increasingly filled with commercialism, light and noise pollution and 24/7 thinking. At times, I think we lose a sense of wonderment at our earthly surrounds. Therefore, when I write, I seek an experience in sound to take me beyond mundane imperatives.”

Javād Maroufi was one of the first composers of piano music in Persia and celebrated for his contribution to Persian classical music. He was born in Tehran to musician parents Musa Maroufi and Ezra Maroufi – both pupils of renowned master, Darvish Khan. Javad’s mother died when he was young, so he was raised by his father and taught violin and tar from a young age.
Amir Farid says this about the music of Maroufi: "Ever since the release of Veiled Virtuosity, my first solo album on the Move Records label, it has been apparent that the inclusion of two of Javad Maroufi’s works for piano on that album proved to be popular amongst listeners.
"It was when my good friend Richard Mitchell approached me with the idea to devote an entire album to Maroufi’s output that this project came to life. Working on this project has made me realise how engrained Maroufi’s work has been in my own life, and within Persian (Iranian) culture in general.
"Several of his works were amongst the first I ever performed in public as a child, and his recordings would constantly be playing in the household. Being exposed to the sounds of Maroufi throughout my life has made this project both a joy and an immense challenge. After years of intense training as a Classical pianist, it has been difficult to realise the authentic folk-like roots of Maroufi’s work without the interference of other influences. Although the Western influences on Maroufi’s music are apparent and obvious, especially the works of Chopin, it is the fusion with traditional Persian music that truly makes this pioneering composer’s work unique.
"I must add that although a lot of his music is indeed notated and published, they only serve as a very rough guide to the final product heard in Maroufi’s playing, and arguably in any successful performance of his work. The improvisatory and freestyle aspect is an essential part of his music, and the challenge here lies in going beyond what’s on the page, while never drifting too far to make the work unidentifiable. Right-hand tremolos, heard frequently throughout this album, imitate the Santur, a Persian dulcimer. This technique (not without its RSI-related challenges!) is engrained in Maroufi’s playing style, as is his gifted ability to freely improvise in a style similar to that heard in a traditional Persian ensemble. My aim has been to replicate this style as authentically as possible, but not without my own insights and influences. I hope this album brings as much pleasure to you as a listener as it did to me during its creation."

The debut solo CD of 2006 Australian National Piano Award winning pianist Amir Farid. Features the works of Liszt, Brahms, Prokofiev, Beethoven, Greenbaum, Vine and Maroufi.

To order your copy, please click here for more information, including where to purchase online.  Alternatively you can contact me and I'd be delighted to help you out.