The notes tell us that the album “recreates a unique conversation between the music of Cyril Scott, George Enesco, and Maurice Ravel. This conversation takes place through the medium of sound poems to create a reality which is perhaps more perfect than our own. This vision of art is rooted in a specific zeitgeist, and in contemporary currents in the visual and literary—including Symbolism and Impressionism.” There is more—lots more. But that may give you some idea as to the concept of this program.

Sandrin, born 1993 in Bucharest, is excited about the visual arts, literature, photography, and cooking. His solo debut was at Wigmore Hall, London where he now lives. Studies at the Royal Academy of Music then led to such awards as the William Sterndale Bennett Prize (2014) at the Royal Academy, the Roslyn Tureck Special Prize for the best interpretation of JS Bach at the Olga Kern International Piano Competition 2019 in New Mexico, plus many others.

The Enesco Sonata is played molto espressivo and easily takes on the few challengers in this rarely heard and somewhat Expressionist work. The Presto vivace II is a model of controlled legerdemain. Ravel’s Miroirs is mightily impressive. His restraint and flow are imaginative and fit beautifully. The waves of the ocean do not savagely attack, as is often the case. In `Alborada del Gracioso’ the repeated notes are a model of precision and lift the spirit as they pass with juicy rhythmic elan.

This is now one of my favorite performances of Miroirs, and it reveals several similarities with Enesco’s opus. With Five Poems by Cyril Scott we complete a triptych of three works that have definite similarities. If this be the true purpose behind the album, it works perfectly well, and is satisfying. Scott’s perfumed Impressionism is quite lovely in both music and original poem. It caresses the ear gently, especially as handled by the talented and sympathetic Sandrin.

Gorgeous music, resplendent sound from the Steinway model D, perceptive notes. A luscious recital and the highlight of the month’s listening.

Review by Becker
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE (Vol. 86 No. 5 September/October 2023)