A Night in Vienna cover

A Night in Vienna

Oscar Peterson · 2004

75 min · 10 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of jazz, blending intricate piano melodies with vibrant rhythms and heartfelt improvisation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Night Time Start here — This opening track sets an intimate atmosphere with its flowing melodies and complex harmonies, highlighting Peterson’s signature style.
  • →
    Satin Doll — Peterson's rendition of this classic showcases his ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth, making it a standout on the album.
  • →
    Hymn to Freedom — This poignant piece encapsulates themes of hope and resilience, demonstrating Peterson's capacity to convey profound emotion through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Peterson's intricate piano work and improvisational flair create a vibrant jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a spoken intro that sets the mood before transitioning into a lively piano-led track.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between the piano and accompanying instruments, enhancing the dynamic interaction.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for late-night
  • soulful improvisations for relaxation
  • intricate melodies for focused listening
  • gradual development with emotional payoff

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced enjoyment
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases Peterson's enduring legacy and musical mastery in his later years.
Themes
Viennese jazz scene· civil rights homage· melodic improvisation
Moods
Chill· Dreamy
Career context
By the release of A Night in Vienna in 2004, Oscar Peterson was a revered figure in jazz, celebrated for his virtuosity. This album came after decades of influential work, showcasing his ongoing commitment to innovation even as he approached the later stages of his career.
Stylistic neighbors
Bill Evans· Herbie Hancock· McCoy Tyner

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro 0:58
  • 2 Night Time Start here 8:35
  • 3 When Summer Comes 7:10
  • 4 Cakewalk 8:31
  • 5 Requiem 8:49
  • 6 Wheatland 9:19
  • 7 The Backyard Blues 8:13
  • 8 Satin Doll 9:48
  • 9 Sweet Georgia Brown 8:23
  • 10 Hymn to Freedom 6:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata