An American Mosaic

During the early days of the 2020 pandemic, US composer Richard Danielpour found solace in Simone Dinnerstein’s recordings of J. S. Bach. Listening inspired him to write his own album for her. An American Mosaic is a collection of 15 powerful piano miniatures, each paying tribute to a segment of American society affected by COVID. Danielpour’s eloquent music evokes, among other things, the comforting presence of ministers and rabbis, frantic parents homeschooling their children, and the quiet dedication of doctors and hospital interns. Interspersed among these imaginative, often playful portraits are four “Consolations,” which give listeners a chance to pause and reflect. And rounding off the album are three Bach arrangements by Danielpour—a touching tribute to Dinnerstein, whose playing throughout is both spirited and tenderly expressive.