Karl Jenkins: Piano

Released ahead of his 75th birthday, Piano finds Karl Jenkins in the dual role of composer and pianist. He returns to many of his best-loved pieces, such as The Armed Man, “Adiemus,” and Requiem, and treats us to an intimate, stripped-back program of surefire favorites. One of the most-performed living composers, he has a gently benign presence, not to mention an easy way with melody and heart-salving harmonies that never misses the mark. He’s a fluent player and this touchingly sincere album will appeal to his myriad fans: It’s not often that we get this close to the great man.