Jane Antonia Cornish
is an English (ultimately Cornish, perhaps) composer who has been active in film music as well as abstract composition. The landscapes of the American West, however, seem to have fired her imagination on
Sierra
, perhaps her most fully realized work to date. The album consists of five compositions that are separate but cohere into the larger album unit. The forces range from one to six pianos; the opening "Sky" and "Ocean" are each for six pianos, while "Sunglitter" is for four, "Last Light" for solo piano, and the final title work for four again. So the overall effect is of light receding to a minimal level, followed by a larger vista on nature. The music has multiple layers that do seem to call to mind California's mountain ranges. All of the piano parts are played by
Vicky Chow
(of
Bang on a Can All-Stars
), and her work is impressive; using a click track, she synchronizes the various parts so seamlessly that a listener coming to the work cold is likely to realize only gradually how many pianos are involved. This entire conception is fresh, and the sound from New York's Reservoir Studio captures
Cornish
's layering effects beautifully. Highly recommended to lovers of crossover piano; a standout in the field. ~ James Manheim