Album Review: Elizabeth Naccarato – Salonnières
Variously described as a classical and new age artist, Texas-born and Colorado-based pianist Elizabeth Naccarato has a foot in both camps. She has been recording and releasing albums for at least as far back as 1995’s Jarrell’s Cove. Classically trained, Naccarato is skilled in delivering subtle and refined reading of works from the great composers. But at the same time, her original compositions build on those traditions and textures in a way that feels freer, more organic and ultimately more personal.
Salonnières is (I think) her eighth album, and it features a mix of both of the aforementioned styles. A reading of Johannes Brahms’ “4 Klavierstücke, Op. 119: No. 1, Intermezzo in b Minor” is a centerpiece of the new release; it exemplifies the album’s theme, a collection of songs presented in the intimate and communal context of a salon. The music invites – no, it all but insists upon – a quiet and contemplative space in which to experience its sublime beauty.
Other composers whose work is explored on the album include Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Wolfgang Mozart and Frédéric Chopin. Five Naccarato originals sit comfortably among those pieces, holding their own and helping make Salonnières a unified and rewarding listening experience.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.