Justin Dello Joio - Justin Dello Joio: 2 Concert Etudes, The March of Folly & Piano Sonata (LP)

Justin Dello Joio's 2007 album, "2 Concert Etudes, The March of Folly & Piano Sonata," is a captivating exploration of the piano repertoire, showcasing the composer's prowess and the performers' virtuosity. The album opens with two technically demanding concert etudes, "Momentum" and "A Farewell," which are not only challenging to play but also rich in musical and emotional depth. These pieces set the stage for the centerpiece of the album, "The March of Folly," a four-movement work for piano trio inspired by historian Barbara Tuchman's book of the same name. This piece is a profound exploration of themes of folly and its consequences, with each movement offering a unique perspective on the subject. The album concludes with a piano sonata, featuring a theme and variations, a romance, and a finale fantasia, demonstrating Dello Joio's versatility and mastery of the sonata form. Performed by a stellar lineup of musicians including Garrick Ohlsson, Jeremy Denk, Ani Kavafian, and Carter Brey, this album is a testament to the power of music to convey complex ideas and evoke deep emotions. With a duration of just under an hour, it's a compelling listen from start to finish.