21 July 2025
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Playing that is both thoughtful and superbly controlled in repertoire by contemporary women composers
Isabel Dobarro (piano)
Kaleidoscope
Grand Piano GP944
4 stars
By John Evan
A title like Kaleidoscope is enough to wrinkle the nose of anyone wary of compilation albums – but stay with this one because the music behind it is, like the kaleidoscope itself, varied, fascinating and, at times, quite beautiful. The focus is contemporary women composers and pianist Isabel Dobarro presents the works of 12 of them.
Isabel Dobarro
Together, they range across the piano’s compass and showcase all the different sides of its character. Anticipating each track is like unwrapping a present – what new side will this composer reveal? Highlights in the collection include ‘Nocturne’, a mesmerising piece by Dobrinka Tabakova. Gabriela Ortiz’s ‘Estudios Entra Preludios’ is a stabbing, percussive work in the spirit of Prokofiev’s Toccata. Carolyn Morris’s ‘Blue Ocean’ evokes a sun dappled sea and Karen Tanaka’s ‘Water Dance’ has a delicate, Debussy-like quality.
Not every piece works; for example, Claudia Montero’s Buenos Aires sounds too predictable. However, most hit the spot. Throughout, Dobarro’s playing is thoughtful and superbly controlled.