Jimmy Mahan

Gallons of ink have been used analyzing Adm. Alfred Thayer Mahan's thoughts, his naval theories, and his contribution to sea power. One vital aspect of his life, however, has been ignored or misunderstood by many scholars: his religious faith.

Hyperion is delighted to present the debut recording of the wonderful young harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani. He was the first harpsichordist to be named a BBC New Generation Artist or to be awarded a fellowship prize by the Borletti- Buitoni Trust. Here Mahan Esfahani has recorded CPE Bach's six 'Württemberg' sonatas, which were written in 17423 and published in 1744, and his thrillingly intense performances make the best possible case for this dramatic, beautifully written, endlessly imaginative but for some reason under-performed music.

I cannot deny that I find a great deal of narrative and life beyond the score when I play [the Goldberg Variations]. Coming in the last decade of the composer s life, they offer us a view both of someone looking back on his decades-long aesthetic transformation and of an innovative and sensitive musician responding to new trends and techniques around him. –Mahan Esfahani

Gramophone-Award-winning harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani has recorded Rameau's Pièces de clavecin in the historic setting of the Music Room at Hatchlands Park in Surrey. This is a masterclass for the instrument, confirming this young artist as a truly great player: in the words of International Record Review his technique is beyond criticism and his inherent musicianship goes far deeper than mere surface understanding it is difficult not to warm to such a musician'. This double album comprises the whole of Rameau's output of keyboard suites, and Esfahani rejoices in its wealth of genius, its excitement and drama. Rameau is a composer whose revival is ongoing, and his unique combination of the witty and the cerebral, the light and the curmudgeonly, abounds throughout his harpsichord music.

On May 1, 2020 STEINWAY & SONS releases Appassionata (STNS 30161) from pianist Katie Mahan. The album includes the Bagatelles, Op. 126, Sonata No. 30, Op. 109, and Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 “Appassionata”. In her liner notes, Mahan writes that it is only through the appreciation of the intensely visionary Appassionata that we can begin to grasp the mystical quality of Beethoven's late works. The profound depth and spirituality of Beethoven's last three piano sonatas pushes the limits of human understanding, and it is clear that in these works, Beethoven succeeds in triumphing over his tragedy and in so doing finds expression for the transcendental power and sublime inspiration that he knew existed in the depths of his soul.

Appassionata from pianist Katie Mahan. The album includes the Bagatelles, Op. 126, Sonata No. 30, Op. 109, and Sonata No. 23, Op. 57 “Appassionata”.

Alfred Thayer Mahan's "The Influence of Sea Power upon History" (1660-1783) was one of the most influential books on military strategy in the first half of the 20th century…