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Pianist Jonathan Sokasits has assembled a diverse and interesting variety of contemporary classical compositions influenced by jazz.

This recording presents but a sampling of the wealth of jazz-inspired character pieces. It is not surprising that many American composers draw on this native language of jazz for inspiration in their art music, but in the first decades of the 20th century many European composers found ways to incorporate this exciting American art form into their music. The works performed by Jonathan Sokasits explore the variety of ways that composers integrate elements of jazz into their writing. On the faculty at Hastings College, Jonathan Sokasits has previously taught at Ithaca College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He studied at Ithaca College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a student of Howard Karp. Sokasits regularly performs as a recitalist and with numerous chamber ensembles. His recordings appear on the Mark and Albany Records labels.

Contents:

Aaron Copland, composer
Four Piano Blues
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Samuel Barber, composer
Excursions, Op. 20
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Dana Wilson, composer
Sound Travels
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Christian Berg, composer
Fanfare
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Christian Berg, composer
Janizonis
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Christian Berg, composer
The Lighthouse
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Dana Wilson, composer
Persona for piano
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, composer
Excursions for piano solo
Jonathan Sokasits, piano

Review:

Review to come.