MY AMERICAN STORY: NORTH

Star pianist Daniil Trifonov releases his new album My American Story – North, embarking on a very personal musical journey across the Americas. The first of a total of two albums, My American Story – North, begins in the USA, where Trifonov has spent almost half of his life. It features a collection of pieces reflecting the variety of his experiences. The album’s diverse repertoire “has given me access to many perspectives, styles, cultures, places, people, stories and forms of expression that have shaped and molded my experience of America,” says Trifonov. 

The selected works range from jazz and swing to minimal music and popular film music. Two piano concertos form the framework of the album: Gershwin’s popular Concerto in F and the world premiere of a concerto composed especially for Trifonov by Mason Bates. Both are accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra under Yannick Nézet-Séguin.  

Solo pieces for piano include works by John Adams, Aaron Copland, John Corigliano and Dave Grusin, Trifonov’s own transcription of jazz classics such as Art Tatum’s I Cover the Waterfront, Bill Evans' version of When I Fall in Love, selected pieces from Hollywood classics “The Firm” and “American Beauty” as well as John Cage’s legendary 4′33. “I did not intend to record an anthology,” says Trifonov. “These are simply favourites of mine that speak to me on a musical level.”  

The album is released digitally, on two CDs and as a 3-LP vinyl version, which further offers extended liner notes, additional photos and two bonus tracks. A follow-up album entitled My American Story – South, showcasing the equally rich and eclectic music of Latin America, will be released at a later date.