Home » Jazz Articles » Misha Alperin: Night

Misha Alperin: Night

By Mark F. Turner
August 14, 2002
Sign in to view read count

Ukrainian pianist Misha Alperin’s commissioned work simply entitled Night presents a contrast from the norm in the way most audiences think of jazz orchestrations. Without “big horn sections, lots of noise, electric instruments, or special guest stars...”, the ensemble quietly but profoundly consists of piano, violincello, and percussion to deliver its theme. The silent absence of pretentious music mirrors Alperin’s vision for the suite: The musical symbolization of the “intense silence of night”, with abrupt intrusions of noise, such as a slamming car door, or an approaching thunderstorm.

Night was performed and recorded live in 1998 at Vossa Jazz Festival in Norway. As customary with ECM recordings, the sound is exquisite, and emphasizes the theme for the listener to experience. Alperin's arranging and composing skills are brought to life as the selections create the moods and feels of various night visions. The opener “Tuesday” plays out in somber and moving waves with the violoncello’s dark notes. Strange and wonderful things also occur when the sun settles, which is implicated on the spirited piece “Second Piece” with its marimba/piano/violin dueling. Anja Lechner plays beautifully with deep and dark tones from the violincello. Percussionist Hans-Kristian Sorenson brings an assortment of sounds with drums, bells, chimes, wood, and whatever else is at hand to bring vibrancy into the music. “Heavy Hour” plays out like a nocturnal visit into some unknown land with its tribal chants, percussive energy, and chilling string work. The suite ends with the beautiful and intriguing “Far, Far ....” It moves like a passing storm in the middle of the hours of darkness. Striking, complex, and full of energy, Night is an illuminating piece of music.

For more information on the artist and label follow the link: ECM Records

Track Listing

1. Tuesday 2. Tango 3. Adagio 4. Second Game 5. Dark Drops 6. Night 7. Heavy Hour 8. Far, Far...

Personnel

Anja Lechner : violoncello / Hans-Kristian Kjos S

Album information

Title: Night | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: ECM Records

Post a comment about this album

FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.