"Wonderful performance of my music."

Ned Rorem referring to Carolyn's performance of his music on her CD, "In Evening Air"

Some discs are just needed. For quite a while I felt a need for an “evening disc” – calm and peaceful, to make me forget the troubles of a hard day. Something my wife would also like. And let it be the entire disc – without running to skip tracks, without sudden sharp edges, violent or jubilant outbursts. Sure, there are Chopin’s Nocturnes, but even they pall after a time. Brahms wrote only one Op.117, and I cannot listen to Satie for long. The ubiquitous “music for relaxation” is not an option: for me most of it sounds devoid of art, too functional. Its world is empty.

The album “In Evening Air” by Carolyn Enger

gave me exactly what I wished. It is a well selected, expressively played set of piano miniatures by composers from Beethoven to Rorem. From the first note it creates that intimate evening mood.

One good decision was to take music from such diverse epochs and styles. Each composer imparts his own color; together they form a palette. Listening is much more interesting than might be expected. Beethoven’s Bagatelles stand out, like glistening little stars. Probably that’s because among all these fine composers one was a genius. But the rest is also of quality and can proudly share space with Beethoven. Most of it is Romantic, very melodic, with different levels of harmonic complexity. The Copland pieces are pastoral and meditative. Hanson’s are lush and rich, in the Rachmaninov vein. Liebermann’s Nocturne is dark, rather advanced harmonically. The Ned Rorem miniatures are simple and sincere. And Scriabin is Scriabin.

Another good decision was to break and mix the cycles. No two pieces from the same set are neighbors. For example, Copland’s pieces definitely benefit from being dispersed like this; in a bunch they would look alike, while separately they can be better appreciated.

The playing of Carolyn Enger is thoughtful and sensitive. It is expressive, yet without external pressure: the expressivity comes from the music itself; the pianist only opens the doors to let it out. She plays with fine nuance and tone-shading. The Beethoven Bagatelles are done perfectly. It’s a pity that No.4 was omitted – evidently its wild dance could ruin the languid mood of the collection. For the same reason, the sharpness of the energetic “parentheses” in No.6 is reduced. Much of the other music was new to me (by the way, this is the world premiere recording of the Rorem set) - and the presentation is, to my ears, faultless. I am already looking forward to her next album, which will be entirely dedicated to Ned Rorem’s miniatures and is planned for release later this year. Enger’s playing reminded me of that of Mitsuko Uchida: it applies the same level of concentrated attention to each single note and demonstrates admiration for each precious sound, unhurried, timeless. The instrument has a beautiful voice, and is impeccably recorded.

This disc has already magically transformed a few of my evenings, and I am sure it can do the same for any lover of Romantic piano music. Absolute pleasure.

Oleg Ledeniov

Expressively played. Creates the intimate evening mood. Absolute pleasure.

from MusicWEb, http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2010/Aug10/Hanson_miniatures_Engerp.htm

"Enger can be commended for her tastes in music.....There is much novelty to delight in....... impeccable sense of timing, which allows her to translate these sparse scores into wide open sonic landscapes......... capacity to sneak up on and win you over with their clear tone and graceful naivety.

American Record Guide September/October 2010

Carolyn Enger can be heard on her first CD, recorded in MSM's Greenfield Hall "In Evening Air: The Art of the Bagatelle", playing music by Beethoven, Scriabin, Hanson, Rorem and Liebermann. A review in the November 2009 issue of "Fanfare Magazine" states,"Carolyn Enger convincingly inhabits these worlds in miniature, lavishing tone, carefully calibrated pace, 'inwardness,' and stylistic awareness on each, while blending the music’s varied aesthetics into a thoughtfully designed program.....Throughout the recital, Enger’s dynamic control and emotional sensitivity complement her keen sense of timing and proportion....Enger performs on a beautiful instrument, one ideally suited to the repertoire and her interpretations: it’s been recorded with just enough hall ambiance to enhance both its tone and Enger’s subtle pedaling. This is a lovely release to be savored slowly rather than in one extended session, the better to appreciate the music’s intimacies."
Fanfare Magazine Nov. '09

http://paramus.patch.com/articles/paramus-library-welcomes-concert-pianist

http://pearlriver.patch.com/articles/carolyn-enger-charms-audience-with-classical-music

"Wonderful concert, ...enthusiastic response, ...audience enjoyed and appreciated it! The program was so varied - it showed off your considerable talent beautifully, something for everyone... We are so lucky to have such a talented performer right here in Teaneck - who needs to go into the city? ... An enjoyable afternoon of good music."

Carol Anderson - Program Coordinator
Teaneck Public Library, Teaneck, NJ
 

"Thank you for the beautiful concert. The audience was enchanted, as well as thrilled with your commentary and demeanor."

Penny Wright - Program Director
Rogers Memorial Library, South Hampton, NY
 

"Wonderful interpretations."

Michelle Manno - Secretary
Suburban Music Study Club, Madison NJ

 

"The passion that you feel for their music....(sic) Schubert and Robert Starer, was transmitted to the audience. They were spellbound."

Michaline Manno - Secretary Suburban Music Study Club

"Your concert was extremely well received."

Peter S. Rustin
Mayor of Tenafly, NJ

"Wonderful performance....I really appreciated your descriptive and historical comments.......You were friendly and down-to-earth, according to one listener, "like playing in my living room".

Jon Warms

Councilman, Tenafly NJ

"High Quality, loved your selection, playing was beautiful, still talking about you the following day."

Sherry Marks - Activities Coordinator
Brown Gardens, New York, NY

"She is a musician of rare quality whose pianistic sensitivity is at once in evidence."

Avron Coleman
Cellist
 

"After listening to her new CD, "In Evening Air", I found it a lovely combination of musicality and consciousness."

Roy Capellaro
P.T.

"Tender and wistful."

Jonathan Sternberg
Composer of Music for Film, Theater and Dance
 

Additional comments by audience members:

"Played from the heart, full of feeling, we felt connected to you."

"It was a pleasure. Excellent selections."

"You are fantastic."

"Beautiful! Your playing of the piano is an inspiration."

"Very Talented!"

"I have never heard such beautiful Brahms .... Your playing brought tears to my eyes, it moved me so much..."

"Gorgeous patina, Incredible playing, Musically on the highest level". I understand what you're about."

"Thank you for sharing your magnificent talent on the piano. You were so inspiring and your fingers danced on the keys and gave us a beautiful message - practice makes perfect. Sharing your talent is a fabulous gift to the community."

"I never heard anyone play as well as you."

"You are a special talent. You play beautifully."

"It was the best concert I ever heard."