Last week we reviewed the excellent album by Mariko Terashi (Piano); this week it’s another good piano programme, though different.

Argentinian pianist and composer Graciela Jiménez is inspired by the landscape and folk melodies of her native country, say the sleeve notes, and this is a welcome introduction to her work. Without resorting to nationalistic clichés … actually on second thoughts: it’s very Latin: there’s real passion, when the music rolls along tumultuously, heaving like a flamenco dancer’s bosom, and there are quieter moments, as a senor weeps sentimental tears into his sherry.

In places (sections of En la Quebrada de Humahuaca, for example) there’s almost a jazz feel — though the sleeve notes refer to echoes of various styles of traditional dance, so perhaps more nuanced than that. Certainly more modern music, as opposed to classical (though Jiménez has composed jazz). What links it all together is feeling of life and vitality.

As well as the more lively moments, we also like the mournful sections of La Luz de Enero, inspired by the poetry of Lorca and with sensitive cello from Matías Villafañe. Dora de Marinis is on the piano; her playing is excellent.

This is out on Naxos 8579040.

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