Echoes of Life finds German-Japanese pianist Alice Sara Ott in a characteristically thoughtful mood. Here, she reflects on her role as a musician and, while remaining scrupulously faithful to the letter of each score, uses this album’s works to meditate on it further. For instance, she offers a reflection on the influential moments of her life by juxtaposing music that means a lot to her. Francesco Tristano’s “In the Beginning Was”, which references Bach and Chopin, sets the tone while also hinting that Ott’s programme will have few boundaries. Indeed, you can expect music from Chilly Gonzales, Toru Takemitsu, Arvo Pärt and György Ligeti tucked in among Chopin’s Preludes. The result is a moving and deeply personal album.