Having responded very favorably to David Rakowski's first volume of études, I can recommend this second installment without hesitation. As with the first set, there are times when a stronger melodic profile might have been welcome, where the music's didacticism gets in the way of sheer expressive nuance, but these are relatively few and far between, and most of this stuff is delightful. There are études based on intervals, such as No. 37 (Taking the Fifths), No. 39 (Sixth Appeal), and No. 32 (Boogie Ninths). E-Machines (No. 1) is a dazzling study in repeated notes; Pollici e mignoli, or The Virus That Ate New York (No. 9) is written for thumbs and pinkies alone, and describes a tiny rhythmic cell that gradually devours the entire melodic line.

Rakowski seems particularly creative when throwing out major challenges to the player's virtuosity (while poking gentle fun at the same time), as in Sliding Scales (No. 33), which title is self-explanatory, Trillage (No. 4), and best of all, No. 38, Silent But Deadly, which tests just how much the player can take while remaining at the softest possible dynamic level. As with the first volume, Amy Dissanayake plays all of this music with commitment and joie de vivre. She sounds like she's having a great time, and her tone never hardens under pressure. Bridge provides its usual excellent sonics, and the notes by the composer are entertaining and useful. It's always a pleasure to hear purposeful contemporary music that has plenty of appeal (and a sense of humor) yet doesn't need to make cheap compromises. Good stuff!

--David Hurwitz