Stefano Battaglia – Pelagos (2017) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Manfred Eicher’s strong personal involvement in the production of every album released under his ECM label is well documented. In Stefano Battaglia’s Pelagos, the Munich guru went as far as rearranging the Milanese pianist’s sessions. Combining piano and prepared piano (sometimes simultaneously!), these recordings of original compositions, spontaneous improvisations and traditional Arabic songs were captured both live in a concert venue and during intimate sessions at the Fazioli Concert Hall in Sacile, Italy, in May 2016. Thus in retrospect Eicher rearranged them to − in his own terms −“inject them with a new fantastic form, based on a completely renewed dramaturgy.” The eclecticism of the material, as well as its sheer weight (over two hours and ten minutes of music!) make this a truly impressive work. And the use of the word “dramaturgy” suits it rather well. Regardless, one journeys through Pelagos in one sitting, sometimes being caught off guard by a few twists and surprises. A feeling owed, no doubt, to the founder of ECM. As for Battaglia, he draws from his wide range of influences (Paul Bley, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett) to offer us a rather varied style, in perfect osmosis with the play, of which he is both the author and the main character. A great solo piano album.

Tracklist:
1-1. Stefano Battaglia – Destino (06:19)
1-2. Stefano Battaglia – Pelagos (10:12)
1-3. Stefano Battaglia – Migralia (12:24)
1-4. Stefano Battaglia – Lamma Bada Yatathanna (04:51)
1-5. Stefano Battaglia – Processional (05:24)
1-6. Stefano Battaglia – Halap (08:38)
1-7. Stefano Battaglia – Dogon (01:47)
1-8. Stefano Battaglia – Life (10:58)
1-9. Stefano Battaglia – Lampedusa (07:07)
1-10. Stefano Battaglia – Hora Mundi (14:06)
1-11. Stefano Battaglia – Lamma Bada Yatathanna (03:37)
1-12. Stefano Battaglia – Exilium (09:24)
1-13. Stefano Battaglia – Migration Mantra (11:33)
1-14. Stefano Battaglia – Horgos E Roszke (06:44)
1-15. Stefano Battaglia – Ufratu (05:36)
1-16. Stefano Battaglia – Heron (05:37)
1-17. Stefano Battaglia – Brenner Toccata (07:42)