Music Times.
  • MUSIC
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • ALBUM
  • FASHION
  • TV
  • NEWS
  • INTERVIEWS

Subscribe
Music Times.
Music Times.
  • MUSIC
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • ALBUM
  • FASHION
  • TV
  • NEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • ALBUM
  • NEWS

Album Review: Pianist Sharon Niessen — A Journey Through Romanticism

  • November 28, 2024
  • Music Times
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Pianist Sharon Niessen’s latest live recital album presents a selection of Romantic masterworks that showcase her flawless technique and deep musical understanding. With a program featuring pieces from Schumann, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Debussy, Niessen takes listeners on a captivating journey through the rich emotional landscapes of these iconic composers.

The album opens with Robert Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9, a suite of 21 character pieces that invites the listener into a vibrant musical masquerade, which is one of my favorite works for piano. Each movement represents a different facet of Schumann’s world, reflecting his friends, literary figures, or his own musical alter egos. Niessen brings a lively spirit to the opening Préambule, setting the tone for the journey ahead. The transitions to other parts feel seamless. Eusebius was absolutely beautifully played—Niessen was able to create an intimate atmosphere, and I love her sound. Her nuanced interpretation captures the playfulness of Pantalon et Columbine while delivering the introspective depth of Chiarina with sensitivity and grace. Each character comes to life in her interpretation, creating a vibrant sound that immerses the listener in Schumann’s imaginative world. The closing Marche des Davidsbündler contre les Philistins is played with a triumphant energy that brings the piece to a dramatic conclusion.

Sharon Niessen
Sharon Niessen Ronald Knapp

Franz Liszt’s Sonetto 47 del Petrarca and Sonetto 123 del Petrarca, from his Années de Pèlerinage (Years of Pilgrimage), are next. These, too, have always been favorites of mine for their operatic drama and lush Romanticism. These works, inspired by the poetry of Petrarch, are infused with an almost operatic expressiveness, and Niessen approaches them with a singer’s sensibility. It reveals her ability to balance technical brilliance with emotional expressiveness. I love her phrasing. The lyrical lines are played with passion, while the climactic moments are delivered with dramatic flair. In La Leggierezza from Trois Études de Concert, her deft touch and lightness of spirit bring out the piece’s playful charm.

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G major, Op. 32 No. 5 and Prelude in C minor, Op. 23 No. 7 demonstrates Niessen’s mastery of contrasting styles. The G major prelude unfolds with lyrical beauty, filled with warmth and a sense of longing. This work captivates me every time I hear it, especially when listening to Niessen’s interpretation. In the C minor prelude, she captures the piece’s powerful drive and urgency, infusing it with a compelling sense of drama that leaves a lasting impression.

Closing the album is Claude Debussy’s L’Isle Joyeuse, a work that has become synonymous with the composer’s Impressionist style. Inspired by Watteau’s painting L’Embarquement pour Cythère, the piece evokes images of a joyful island paradise. Niessen meets the challenge of technical finesse and a delicate touch, crafting a performance that sparkles with color and movement. Her interpretation beautifully evokes the sun-drenched imagery of the piece, allowing listeners to feel the essence of Debussy’s impressionistic style.

Sharon Niessen
Sharon Niessen Ronald Knapp

Overall, this album is a testament to Sharon Niessen’s exceptional artistry. Her ability to blend technical skills with deep musical insight results in performances that are both captivating and emotionally resonant. The fact that this is a live recording makes it all the more interesting. It has the raw spontaneity and authenticity that polished studio recordings sometimes lack, in my opinion. While there are a few minor slips here and there, they only add to the charm and remind us that live performance is where an artist’s true interpretative style comes to life. For those seeking a fresh take on these beloved Romantic works, Niessen’s album is a delightful addition to any classical music collection. Throughout the recitals, Sharon Niessen’s deep connection to the music is evident. She plays each note with emotion, making every phrase feel like an intimate conversation between the composer and the listener. I definitely love her phrasing, rubatos, and captivating playing style. Her lyrical sensibility and ability to bring out the narrative threads in these complex works make this album one that stands out. Whether it’s the introspective moments of Schumann’s Carnaval or the exuberant joy of Debussy’s L’Isle Joyeuse, Niessen takes the listener on a deeply moving musical journey.

Click here to listen to her album.

Souce: Musictimes.com

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Music Times

Previous Article
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • MUSIC

Taylor Swift’s UK ‘Eras Tour’ Left Taxpayers with Nearly $1M Security Bill

  • November 28, 2024
  • Music Times
View Post
Next Article
  • MUSIC
  • NEWS
  • Uncategorized

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker Launches Orchid, a New Musical ‘Ideas Machine’

  • November 28, 2024
  • Music Times
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • NEWS

Meet Flyght Frm Miami: A Hip-Hop Artist with a Vision

  • Music Times
  • April 16, 2025
View Post
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • MUSIC
  • NEWS

UK Soul Charts Star: Windy Karigianes, A Soulful Singer with a Vision

  • Music Times
  • April 15, 2025
View Post
  • ALBUM

“BO TIME” Has Arrived: G’Bo Ponzi’s Groundbreaking Album Redefines Music Boundaries

  • Music Times
  • March 25, 2025
View Post
  • MUSIC
  • NEWS

Aylahli: The Unapologetic Pop Sensation Redefining Sexuality and Empowering Indie Artists

  • Music Times
  • March 24, 2025
View Post
  • ALBUM
  • MUSIC

LEXU-FI: The Mastermind Behind SNIPPET and EARGASM

  • Music Times
  • March 7, 2025
View Post
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • NEWS

What Meta AI Tells About Musictimes UK Magazine: Read That’s Very Important and Interesting

  • Music Times
  • March 2, 2025
View Post
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • NEWS

Victoria Podesta: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Her Upcoming Book “Rhythm of My Life”

  • Music Times
  • February 25, 2025
View Post
  • ALBUM
  • MUSIC

The Rise of Bubbleeye: Chicago’s Latest Hip-Hop Sensation

  • Music Times
  • February 18, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured Posts
  • 1
    Brian Carson Interview 2025
    • May 7, 2025
  • 2
    Meet 24Trav: Spreading Positive Vibes Through Music
    • May 7, 2025
  • 3
    Nate Franchesco Drops Genre-Bending Synth Track “Club 440”
    • May 6, 2025
  • 4
    The Unstoppable 2uece: A Brooklyn Artist with a Story to Tell
    • May 3, 2025
  • 5
    The Unstoppable Da Savage: A Mississippi Music Marvel
    • May 1, 2025
  • 6
    The Unstoppable Poppa Ban: A Visionary in Hip Hop
    • May 1, 2025
  • 7
    The Unstoppable Chewy Mane: A Journey of Resilience and Talent
    • April 29, 2025
  • 8
    London based singer songwriter Pola Unveils Second Single “Emerald Sea” from Forthcoming Album, due in October featuring Andy Summers from The Police
    • April 27, 2025
  • 9
    The Musical Crusade of Jan Helge Almås: Exposing Corruption Through “Tragedy in Corruption”
    • April 25, 2025
  • 10
    The Rising Star of Spanish R&B: Paula García’s Journey to Stardom
    • April 24, 2025
Recent Posts
  • King Paso: The Rising Star from Shelby, NC
    • April 29, 2025
Categories
  • ALBUM (27)
  • Business (6)
  • ENTERTAINMENT (272)
  • FASHION (5)
  • INTERVIEWS (6)
  • MUSIC (195)
  • NEWS (192)
  • TV (16)
  • Uncategorized (52)
Music Times UK
  • MUSIC
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • ALBUM
  • FASHION
  • TV
  • NEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
Music Times UK is the leading provider of music news in the United Kingdom, United States and around the world. It provides online coverage of celebrities, movies and music.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.