Krzysztof Kobyliński - Spero (2020)

Krzysztof Kobyliński

Krzysztof Kobyliński - piano
with

Voces Gregorianae Cassovienses

Spero

HEVHETIA 0205

By Adam Baruch

This is an album by Polish Jazz pianist / composer / activist Krzysztof Kobyliński recorded with the Slovak Gregorian choir Voces Gregorianae Cassovienses directed by Jan Velbacky. The album presents a ten-part suite composed by Kobyliński. 

Kobyliński, who is a very versatile and prolific composer and recording Artist, likes to tackle unusual and innovative musical undertakings, such as this one. The music, which combines several solo piano and melodica parts, short opening and closing parts sung by the choir and one middle piece featuring the choir and the piano together, paints a minimalist moody picture, which develops slowly and offers relatively little dynamics. 

The music has very little to do with Jazz per se, except for the fact that the piano pieces are partly improvised. Since Kobyliński already recorded several solo piano albums, I was personally expecting a much more intensive involvement of the choir. However Kobyliński obviously sees his solo piano work as a centerpiece of his Artistic endeavors, and acts accordingly. 

Overall the music is very atmospheric and contemplative, moving between Classical influences and Cinematic sound vistas, which requires patience and attentive listening in order to be absorbed. Classical music listeners, especially those who like Romantic piano pieces, should especially enjoy this album.