My American Story: North

Russian-born and now US-resident Daniil Trifonov pays tribute to his adopted homeland in this first instalment of My American Story. This is very much a portrait of modern America, the earliest work included here being George Gershwin’s 1925 Piano Concerto.

This is given a wonderfully characterful and endearing performance by Trifonov and his excellent partners, the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The Philadelphians play with splendid pizazz, as one might expect, in the lively first and final movements. But the slow central “Adagio” is the real winner, with the languid principal trumpet a perfect foil to the perkiness of Trifonov’s playing.

Mason Bates’ concerto, written specifically for Trifonov, is heard here in its premiere performance recorded live in January 2022. As well as reaching outside the US with playful references to the musical mannerisms of Renaissance Europe, it also presents an attractive glitter in the piano writing and orchestral sheen from the world of film music.

Trifonov extends his tribute to the movies with an extract from American Beauty and the energetically jazzy “Memphis Stomp” from The Firm. And there’s more jazz in the form of arrangements by Art Tatum—Trifonov capturing the charming nonchalance of that phenomenal pianist—and Bill Evans.

He also shows a more serious, European-orientated side of American music. In Copland’s modernistic Piano Variations of 1930, Trifonov discovers a feisty and recognizably American spirit in its apparently unyielding flintiness. He also gives a thoughtful performance of John Corigliano’s Fantasia on an Ostinato, drawing out its melancholy before convincingly unveiling its inspiration from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony.

Inside the Album Booklet
An extensive note on Trifonov’s program includes several quotes from the pianist giving his personal views of the music. Plus there are several color photos of Trifonov at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied for five years, and in typical or distinctive North American settings.

Album booklets are available in version 2.0 of Apple Music Classical, which you can download now and enjoy as part of your Apple Music subscription. To access booklets, tap on the book icon at the top of your screen.