Julie Rivers has become one of my favorite pianists, but I was only familiar with her original compositions and Christmas collection before I heard this CD. Her recording of the piano music of Eugenie Rocherolle clearly demonstrates why Julie has earned such wide recognition as a concert performer as well as a composer/pianist. Eugenie Rocherolle is a prolific composer who has been very active in producing collections of teaching material. The pieces that make up this recorded collection are obviously from her more advanced repertoire, and are definitely to be considered classical. Rocherolle’s composing style is varied and original. Most of these pieces are short, with some recalling Satie in their brevity and abstraction. There are bursts of Gershwin as well as hints of many other 20th century composers, but the music is very personal, and Julie Rivers brings it to life with her elegant playing style.

This CD is also available from earthstarrecordings.com.