Amir Xhakoviq - The Balkan Piano, Vol. 1

The composing traditions of the ten Balkan countries are as good as unknown in the rest of the world. In this revelatory piano recital, the Albanian pianist Amir Xhakoviq presents a glittering array of keyboard jewels from his own country and its neighbours, ranging from wild and energetic toccatas to timeless evocations of bells and other ancient traditions, with a surprisingly wide range of references, from folk-music to Scarlatti and jazz. As 'Volume One' indicates, this album is intended as the first of a series that will continue to explore the unfamiliar music of the Balkans.