Eudora Records

Eudora Records: Sisters of the Moon by Susana Gómez Vázquez

The opening moments of *Sisters of the Moon* by Susana Gómez Vázquez immediately show why Eudora Records has become a name that attracts attention from serious music listeners. This Madrid-based independent label has built its reputation around carefully selected classical recordings where the performer, the instrument and the recording environment are treated as one complete artistic experience. Released in 2024, this album presents piano works by composers from different generations, connected by a common theme of creativity, individuality and musical expression. For me, the strength of this release is not only the choice of repertoire, but the way Susana Gómez Vázquez gives every piece its own character.

The idea behind *Sisters of the Moon* comes from the connection between music, mythology and the artwork of surrealist painter Leonora Carrington. The programme brings together works by composers including Hélène de Montgeroult, Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach, Nadia Boulanger, Alicia de Larrocha, Florence Price and Iluminada Pérez. I like that this concept never feels like a simple historical collection. Instead, the album creates a conversation between different musical voices, showing how each composer approaches the piano in a unique way. The result is a programme that feels carefully chosen rather than simply assembled.

The early pieces by Hélène de Montgeroult are a beautiful introduction to Gómez Vázquez’s playing style. Her Piano Études reveal a pianist who understands that expression often comes from small details. The notes are allowed to breathe, and the changes in touch and dynamics are easy to follow. I notice a natural balance between precision and emotion, without unnecessary dramatic gestures. These pieces immediately create the impression of a thoughtful musician who listens closely to the instrument.

One of the highlights for me is Fanny Mendelssohn’s *Das Jahr*, especially the movements June and September. These works show the emotional range of the piano, moving between delicate passages and stronger rhythmic sections. Gómez Vázquez avoids making the music sound overly romantic or exaggerated. Instead, she lets the structure and phrasing speak for themselves. On a revealing audio system, the recording allows me to hear the weight of the lower notes, the clarity of the upper register and the natural relationship between the piano and the acoustic space around it.

The two pieces by Amy Beach, *A Hermit Thrush at Eve* and *A Hermit Thrush at Morn*, bring another colour to the album. These miniatures have a more impressionistic character, with subtle harmonies and gentle movements that reward careful listening. I particularly enjoy the way the performance keeps the details visible without making the piano sound too bright or artificial. The recording captures the instrument with warmth and realism, which makes these pieces especially enjoyable through quality speakers or headphones.

A recording that serves the music

Eudora Records approaches recording with the same attention to detail that classical musicians bring to their performances. *Sisters of the Moon* was recorded in the Sala Mozart of the Auditorio de Zaragoza, a venue known for its excellent acoustics. The production focuses on preserving the natural sound of the piano and the atmosphere of the room. For me, this is where the audiophile qualities become meaningful, because the technical side supports the musical message instead of becoming the main attraction.

The piano has a convincing sense of space. I can hear the instrument placed naturally between the speakers, with enough depth to understand the size of the recording environment. The dynamics are handled with care, from quiet intimate passages to more powerful sections where the instrument has real weight. The midrange transparency is especially impressive because this is where the character of the piano lives. Every change in touch, every pedal movement and every small variation in volume contributes to the experience.

The inclusion of Iluminada Pérez’s *Le Sette Sorelle dal Cielo* adds a completely different perspective. The combination of piano and electroacoustic elements creates a modern contrast within the programme. It requires a little more concentration from the listener, but I appreciate that the album is not limited to familiar classical territory. It shows that the connection between composers across generations is still possible when the performances are chosen with care.

Florence Price’s *Fantasie Nègre No. 1 in E minor* provides a strong final statement. The rhythmic energy and expressive character of the piece give the album a different kind of intensity. Gómez Vázquez brings out the personality of the composition while keeping control of the performance. I find this especially effective because the emotion comes from the music itself, not from exaggeration by the performer.

My listening experience

What makes *Sisters of the Moon* interesting for me is the combination of musical discovery and outstanding recording quality. Some names on the album will be familiar to classical listeners, while others deserve much more attention. Susana Gómez Vázquez creates a connection between these composers by focusing on the individuality of each work. She does not try to make everything sound the same, and that variety keeps the listening experience fresh.

This is not an album I would use as background music. It deserves focused listening, because the details reveal themselves slowly. The interaction between silence, phrasing, room acoustics and the natural character of the piano is where much of the enjoyment comes from. At the same time, it is a valuable reference recording because it shows how realistic a well-produced piano recording can sound through a good audio system.

For me, *Sisters of the Moon* represents exactly what I appreciate about Eudora Records. The label combines artistic curiosity with recording quality, but the music always remains the priority. Susana Gómez Vázquez has created a programme that introduces important composers, reveals overlooked works and offers a deeply satisfying piano experience. The greatest strength of this release is the honest connection between performer, instrument and recording space, allowing the listener to focus completely on the music.

HiFi’ve, Ronald – Your EarFluencer