The pianoforte and electronics can be an especially resonant combination, the richness of the piano timbre complementing the electronic part for a full sonic universe. That is, of course, if the music is well conceived. On Here (And There) (Innova 846), a program centered around the impressive pianism of Jeri-Mae G. Astolfi, it most certainly is.
Six compositions are included, mostly mid-length works by Phillip Schroeder, Ed Martin, Jeff Herriott, Brian Belet, Tom Lopez, and Jim Fox.
These are sonic, thoughtful modernist/pomo works in the Grand Tradition, meaning that they seek to create musical significance and often a complete, almost orchestral sound world though carefully "orchestrated" electronic parts and expressive, well-integrated piano writing.
The music is seminal; Jeri-Mae G. Astolfi has an extraordinary presence, a brilliance, that goes a long way to making this an outstanding program.
