THE LOST PIANOS OF SIBERIA

Narrating this spellbinding travelogue/crusade, British actor Katherine Bailey puts her charming sophistication and refined steadiness to good use. Her graceful restraint draws listeners in and pays homage to the author's artistic sensibilities and lucid writing. Travel writer Sophy Roberts is obsessed with finding the pianos Russia imported in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. As she follows leads and questions peasants and famous musicians alike (and is detained by government officials at one point), she uncovers the spirit and culture of Russia's people. She recounts her travels across sparsely populated frozen landscapes and along the way offers an intimate portrait of how Russia's feudal traditions still conflict with Western culture and its opportunities. Her sensitive discussions of the technology and individual tonal character of pianos, along with Bailey's excellent reading, make this production a moving listening experience. T.W. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2021]