Fire On All Sides

James Rhodes is a fine pianist, a consummate communicator and, as a sufferer himself, a worthy advocate for music as a balm for mental illness. This recording, an accompaniment to his book on depression and anxiety, is a wide-ranging collection of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Bach and Puccini, with a breathtaking performance of Beethoven’s profoundly beautiful late-period Piano Sonata op. 110 at its heart, a work written by a composer in the depths of despair. Chopin’s melodies ring out under Rhodes’ fingers—a rare gift—and his affecting way with Bach’s C Major Prelude is instantly soothing.