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Michael Houstoun/Various: Inland

One of New Zealand’s favourite classical pianists, Michael Houstoun has once again produced a beautiful and challenging recording with ‘Inland’ - his third outing with Auckland’s Rattle Records (he most recently featured heavily on John Psathas’ ‘View From Olympus’). Made an Arts Foundation Laureate last year, Houstoun plays solo piano works from six diverse NZ composers over two discs, somehow pulling them all together with his unerring interpretation, often drawing on a blend of styles and genres. As expected his execution is flawless, from the intricate difficulty of Douglas Lilburn’s Chaconne (written in 1946), to the jazz-influenced vibrancy of ex-pat Mike Nock’s 12 pieces written for Houstoun to perform at the Lake Wanaka Festival of Colour last year. The dramatic Jettatura by John Psathas features layers of folk, jazz, and rock - the furiously chordal left hand adding an almost guitar-like feel. Victoria Kelly’s Landscape Prelude calls on memories of the lonely Goodnight Kiwi and demonstrates her experience in the worlds of film, theatre, electronica and contemporary art music. Gao Ping’s Dance Fury pays homage to Argentinean Astor Piazzolla, revelling in South American rhythms and a sort of faded grandeur. Houstoun’s special talent is in making the collection feel fluid and yet hitting the right emotional pitch for each work. This valuable collection of NZ works, drawn together by the very intuitive Houstoun, was recorded at the Waikato WEL Centre.

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