The past couple of days I have listened to almost 20 different ensembles at the annual conference of Chamber Music America, ensembles of all sorts performing a wide range of repertoire in all kinds of instrumental combinations, including flower pots.
I am struck by the particular elegance of two jazz pianists, in matters of touch and timing. The assumption seemed to be flexibility rather than split-second accuracy. There was plenty of that as well, however, as these musicians were in the company of very attentive colleagues.
It would be impossible to analyze the acoustical assumptions behind these diverse groupings, but in each band the piano played multiple roles, at times light and lyrical, at other times percussive and driven.
It is so refreshing to experience the definition of chamber music becoming broader by the minute.
