The Ganelin Trio: Con Affetto

The driving force behind this recording is the fifty-seven minute and fairly amazing piece titled, “Semplice”. Here, the Trio is a mini-orchestra as they employ ethnic percussion instruments, a vast array of woodwinds, horns and Casio electronic keyboards. This piece commences with a clattering of small percussion instruments while evolving into various movements via a climactic and budding flow - offering disparate themes and tonalities aided by an abundance of meaningful dialogue. The Trio alternate instruments as if this were a Broadway play where three actors double up and multitask roles or more appropriately, a loosely based theatrical troupe. It doesn’t end there. This composition progresses into a series of structured motifs, as the band begin to develop rich melodies featuring memorable hooks and at various junctures elicit memories of the 80’s European Prog-Rock movement. “Semplice” is a brilliant piece of work as this Trio seemingly start with nothing yet gravitate towards complex, innovative ideas while pulling it all together in surprising fashion. – These gentlemen were subsequently invited back for three encores.

Simply put Con Affetto is a remarkable recording and if you seldom had the opportunity to hear this legendary band......now is the time! Highly Recommended! * * * * 1/2

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