Half of Volume 8 in Alain Kremski’s Gurdjieff/De Hartmann cycle contains less engaging music than other discs in this series–specifically the prayer tunes set to contemplative, procession-like accompaniments, harmonized simply and effectively. More musical substance can be found in the poignant modal progressions in the chord-based No. 11 of Music for the Movements, No. 8’s evocative pentatonic sound world, No. 19’s accelerating unison phrase from both ends of the keyboard, or the piquant overtones resulting from the Greek Dance’s accompanying left-hand fifths. The tonal finesse, rhythmic control, and vocal eloquence Alain Kremski brings to the Music for the Movements selections easily surpass Wim van Dulleman’s sincere but relatively bland pianism (Channel Classics). Self-recommending for Gurdjieff/De Hartmann aficionados.
