The Celestial Hawk

Keith Jarrett’s dark pastoralism is obvious throughout The Celestial Hawk, a three-part work for piano and orchestra. With programmatic flair, he treats the keyboard like a palette from which to apply streaks of color. His detailed writing for percussion (glockenspiel, timpani, snare, etc.) is noteworthy, as are his brassy textures in the rousing conclusion. While not explicitly political, this album speaks with moral authority and holds up well in today’s divided climate. Its underlying message of unity seems more fitting than ever in a post-pandemic world.