Stephen Estep recommends Christopher Atzinger’s new Piano Music of John Knowles Paine recording in the 2019 November/December issue of American Record Guide:

“John Knowles Paine, trained in Europe, was America’s first widely accepted composer and first professor of music; he taught John Alden Carpenter, Frederick Converse, Arthur Foote, and many others. His several piano pieces have not often been recorded… ‘Gipsies’ and ‘Welcome Home’ are a playground for the pianist, and I imagine Paine would be thrilled to hear his glittering lines and leaping melodies played with such ease and concern for detail. Any human who could remain unmoved by the sheer joy of ‘A Christmas Gift’ should be viewed with great suspicion. … I’ve sampled [previous Paine recordings], and Christopher Atzinger is light and fleet in comparison … Atzinger is the one to have. The Urness Recital Hall at St Olaf College in Minnesota, where Atzinger teaches, gives the piano a clear, warm space in this finely engineered recording. ”

Stephen Estep, American Record Guide

Purchase Apple Music ArkivMusic Amazon Spotify HDTracks Idagio Primephonic Qobuz