MARKUS BURGER — The Vienna Sessions (review)

MARKUS BURGER — The Vienna Sessions album cover Album · 2022 · Post-Fusion Contemporary Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Carmel
Markus Burger's latest album, "The Vienna Sessions," finds Burger diving deep into the world of post-fusion contemporary and ECM-style solo piano. Packing sixteen original tracks performed by the man himself, this album is a joyous ride through melodic sophistication, harmonic exploration, and heart-stirring emotions. Recorded in the iconic Bösendorfer piano showroom in Vienna, Burger found his inspiration in the city's diverse musical history and the unmatched sound of the legendary Bösendorfer piano. His connection to Vienna is evident, and his love for the instrument shines through the album as he effortlessly blends subtlety, rhythmic freedom, and his powerful performance with silence. The result is a collection of fascinating and reflective pieces that invite the listener to join Burger on his musical stroll through the streets of Vienna, guided by the very essence of the piano itself.

In Burger's composition "Daybreak," the distinctive qualities of post-fusion contemporary and ECM-style solo piano shine through. Embracing melodic sophistication and harmonic exploration. The opening expansive arpeggio figures and complex layering showcase Burger's skillful touch on the piano. The relaxing soft B section, enhanced by added string sounds, illustrates the subtlety and nuance that define his playing, as well as the textural variety inherent in this style of music. With a lyrical and assured touch, Burger expertly weaves together rhythmic precision and emotional depth, creating a captivating listening experience that mirrors the introspective and deeply spiritual nature of his time spent recording in Vienna.

"An Afternoon in Vienna," another standout track from Burger's mesmerizing "The Vienna Sessions," seamlessly blends a beautiful melody that is developed through a theme and variation approach, highlighting Burger's harmonic exploration and melodic sophistication. His improvisations, deeply rooted in theme development, strike a perfect balance between activity and space, demonstrating his command of melodic structures and his thoughtful interaction with silence.

Markus Burger's “The Vienna Sessions” is a captivating showcase of his emotional depth, exceptional playing abilities, and engaging use of space that reels listeners in. Masterfully navigating the iconic Bösendorfer piano's delicate nuances, Burger crafts an introspective and spiritually resonant experience with his compositions and improvisations. This album highlights Burger's deep connection to Vienna, drawing inspiration from the city's rich musical heritage and seamlessly integrating the unique qualities that make his solo piano style so alluring.
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