By Esther Callens
Pianist and composer Deanna Witkowski is most certainly an accomplished artist. Her latest endeavor, Raindrop: Improvisations With Chopin (Tilapia Recording), validates just how brilliant she is. Her interpretations of some of the maestro’s works are simply breathtaking. It is assuredly an upper echelon recording.
The number of jazz musicians that have recorded their take on the classical composer is astronomical. However, Witkowski’s delivery on Chopin is unique as she incorporates jazz and Brazilian music into the pieces without detracting too much from the original masterpiece itself. The end result yielded some magnificent arrangements that are worthy of an abundance of accolades.
There are eight Frederic Chopin interpretations with six Witkowski original short improvisations sprinkled among them on Raindrop.
Listed are pieces Prelude in E-Flat Minor, Op. 28, No. 14, Nocturne In E-Flat Major, Op.9, No. 2, Nocturne in B Major, Op. 9, No. 3 and others.
Raindrop: Improvisations With Chopin is a well-executed soundtrack. It is among Deanna Witkowski’s best work.
Artist Bio: Deanna Witkowski is an award winning pianist, composer and vocalist. She is an outstanding artist whose 2009 liturgical jazz album, From This Place, garnered many rave reviews. A modern innovator that is constantly breaking new grounds with her music, she has travelled all over the world performing at various venues. Witkowski holds a M.A. in jazz piano performance from the City College of New York and a B.M. in classical piano performance from Wheaton College (IL).
Track Listings: Nocturne In E-Flat Major, Op.9, No. 2; Walking the Labyrinth; Prelude in E Minor, Op. 28, No. 4 / Insensatez; Prelude in E-Flat Minor, Op. 28, No. 14; Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72, No. 1 / Manhía De Carnaval; Finding Joy; Nocturne in B Major, Op. 9, No. 3; A Single Thought; Etude in E-Flat Minor, Op. 10, No. 6 / You and the Night and the Music; Light That Shimmers; Following Intuition; Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 20 / Olha Maria; Prelude in D-Flat Major (‘Raindrop”), Op. 28, No. 15; In Parting.
