An original piano composition with a strong, vibrant opening theme whose variations evolve throughout the piece. The composer has created an authentic work that pays homage to the classical tradition while presenting their own unique style and voice. The work builds to a powerful conclusion, filling the careful listener with a sense of awe and wonder.
The complexity and intricate counterpoint delighted this Bach aficionado. "For Sebastian" is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of classical music, and a fitting addition to any pianist's repertoire.
Benjamin Fischer, Heidelberg
A mesmerising and horrowing composition, “Le Gothique" captures the essence of an ancient castle steeped in period atmosphere that would have made Poe proud. The haunting melody, woven in evocative minor chords, conjures up images of a desolate landscape, while the dramatic pauses and tonal shifts enhance the enigmatic High Gothic aura.
The eerie tones immerse the listener in a world of the fantastical. A tour-de-force of musical creativity that will leave you enraptured.
Emilie Moreau, Mont Saint-Michel
"Joy of the Morning" is a lively and exuberant composition, full of youthful energy yet rich in harmonic complexity. The piece begins with a simple, yet elegant melody in the treble, which gradually builds into a dense multidynamic texture. The deft use of syncopation creates a sense of unpredictability and momentum, keeping the listener engaged throughout. Overall, it’s a high-spirited display of musical technique and pure creativity.
Alistair MacGregor, Edinborough
A stunningly impressionistic work, evoking a sense of graceful movement and delicate balance. The composer's use of colour and texture is reminiscent of the French "En plein air" painters, creating a vivid and dreamy atmosphere.
The piece's originality lies in its integration of traditional dance motifs with modern harmonic language, resulting in a fresh and innovative work. Overall, this is a captivating and evocative piece demonstrating the composer's painter-like impressionistic style.
Emma Janssens, Bruges
Hauntingly beautiful and melancholic, this is a work that embodies the depths of human despair and sorrow. The key of D minor, often associated with mourning and melancholy, is utilised to great effect, creating a sense of overwhelming sadness and woe. The piece is a testament to the suffering of the soul, as it expresses unconsolable loss.
The use of counter-rhythms and sudden shifts in mood add to the emotional intensity of the piece, amplifying its impact. In the words of Goethe, "The sorrows that do not speak, and whither the heavy burden of the heart to sink lower."
Friedrich Wittelsbach, Munich
Imagine a party of foxes, swaying and twirling in a joyous dance. This image perfectly captures the spirit of Prelude in F major, "Le Masque des Renards", a lively composition that evokes the sights and sounds of nature in all her colourful glory. The composer's use of simple patterns and colours imbues the work with vibrancy and vitality, calling to mind the joyousness of Brueghel's peasant dances.
Listening to this piece, it's hard not to be transported to a place of carefree abandon, where the world is alive with the beauty of nature. This work is a testament to the transformative power of music.
Pieter van der Meer, Amsterdam.
This marvellously unique piano piece is a playful potpourri beautifully reflecting the watchmaking traditions of Switzerland. It features short sections in all 24 major and minor keys, a microcosm of the complete “The Distempered Clavier”. It's astounding how the musical elements remind one of watches, gears, movements, and bejeweled complications!
The work starts with notes that resemble the winding up and ticking of a mechnaical Swiss watch, as it progresses to sections that re-create the complexity of a clock's gears and movements. This is an exquisite and captivating prelude that will take you on a journey deep into the Helvetian heart and its clockwork culture.
Markus Eichenberger, Basel
I find “The Darkening Night” a mysteriously beautiful piece that enveloped me in its mecurial and introspective atmosphere. The composition took me on a journey through the highs and lows of emotions, the delicate tones of the piano echoing my deep melancholic mood. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope as the piece gently reminds us of the exquisite balm of nightfall. The result is a profoundly evocative and thought-provoking musical experience that left a lasting impression on my soul.
Rauno Kallas, Pärnu
A bright and lively piano prelude full of surprise and delight. The dynamic shifts and unexpected turns of the melody create an exciting and playful musical experience. The composition's use of G major adds a warm and welcoming tone that invites the listener into this blithe and buoyant world. Allemande is a wonderful example of the sheer joy that classical piano music can bring.
Sofia Johansson, Gothenburg
A composition that invokes a sense of wistfulness, beautifully captured through its mournful melody and somber tone. The tender and expressive crescendo and diminuendo, add to the emotional depth and nuance of the work, creating a sense of rising and falling emotions.
The piece's mournful and bittersweet nature is perfectly encapsulated by its use of the Italian musical term, Adagio, which signifies a slow, mournful tempo. Subtle hints of rubato, giving the pianist the freedom to subtly alter the rhythm, conveying the sense of someone lingering, reluctant to depart. A deeply moving and thought-provoking musical experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the listener.
Giovanni Rossi, San Gimignano
This thoughtful composition showcases the composer's skill in creating music that is both timeless and contemporary. The piece pays homage to the past by using Bach's much favoured key of C major and incorporating counterpoint, a technique that he is famous for. However, it also looks to the future with inventive variations that add depth and complexity to the melody and chord progressions.
The piece's uplifting and energetic tone creates a sense of hope and positivity, making it a perfect composition for a new beginning. The ever evolving inventions and bright pleasing melody make it a joy to listen to.
Megan Dafis, Aberystwyth
A thrilling and intense piano piece that captures the listener's attention from the very first note. The composition is characterised by sparkling dissonant chords that add a sense of tension and urgency, combined with daring melodies that are both beautiful and unexpected.
The use of polyrhythms throughout the composition adds to the complexity of the work, creating a layered and rich sound that is both exciting and challenging to play. The interplay between the different rhythmic patterns and the melody adds a dynamic and engaging dynamic.
A famous concert pianist said "Classical music is not just about looking back at the past, but also about exploring the future and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”
Prelude in E minor - Danse Dramatique is a stunning and thought-provoking vision of music.
Sigrún Ásgeirsdóttir, Reykjavik
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to be swept away by the rhythmic beauty of “Prancing Pony". This playful caprice captures the feeling of a pony galloping through the countryside with her wild, untamed spirit. The rhythm is as graceful as the canter of a well-trained mare, and the notes dance like a skilled rider guiding their mount through a woodsy maze. The music delights as the melody takes flight like a fearless rider leaping over a fence. Bravo, composer, for creating such an evocative piece!
Emily Johnson, Louisville
This somber yet poignant piece speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a loved one. The key of C minor lends an air of melancholy to the work, and the slow and mournful chord progression captures the deep sadness of parting. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is also a profound sense of strength and courage, as the music builds to a powerful resolution, signalling the resolve to carry on as we face the future alone.
This prelude is a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of grief, we can find the fortitude to carry on.
Alexandru Dumitru, Saxos
How can a simple melody describe all that is childhood and the endless variations of this sacred time?
As a listener, I was immediately struck by the soft and gentle soul of the piece, which immediately brought to mind the beauty of the new moon. The delicate interplay of the notes, with their fluid and graceful movements, evokes a sense of peace and tranquility that is both soothing and uplifting.
The composer has intimately captured the spirit of childhood. The playful and carefree melody transports the listener back to a time of innocence and wonder.
What truly sets this piece apart is the seemingly endless variations of life that it embodies. The melody flows effortlessly from one variation to the next, each one building upon the last and taking the listener on a journey of discovery and exploration. It is a beautiful representation of the constant evolution of life, and a reminder that there is always something new to discover and enjoy.
A true testament to the power of music to inspire and delight.
Caroline Sparrow Lee, Winnipeg
"Variables" for piano is a challenging study that illustrates the ever-changing nature of life. The continuing development of the main theme reflects the unpredictability of our journey and the variability of our experiences. The powerful ending is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating that we have the ability to overcome the challenges that we encounter.
The key of F minor adds a sense of depth and melancholy, evoking a sense of introspection and contemplation. The beautiful late counter-rhythmic variant adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the richness of the composition. As the philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."
Taro Yamamoto, Tokyo
I throughly enjoyed this delightful piano piece that captures the essence of springtime with its fresh and vibrant melody. This prelude is reminiscent of birdsong, which symbolises renewal and the heralding of warm weather. The composition reminds me of the Pastoral Symphony of Beethoven, which also celebrates Nature’s unrivaled beauty.
As I listen to this piece, I feel as though I am taking a walk through a spring meadow, surrounded by the sweet fragrance of flowers and the sounds of chirping birds. It is a beautiful tribute to the season of renewal and growth.
Alexandra Hoskins, Perth
A measured and stately work that evokes a sense of philosophical discourse and introspection. The composition's single movement is reminiscent of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, yet the inner dialog of the piece is uniquely its own.
The music presents a conversation between friends as they walk along a river, debating philosophy and logic. The main theme subtly variates, reflecting the contemplative nature of philosophical thought.
As Immanuel Kant said, "We are not rich by what we possess but by what we can do without." This piece reminds us of the value of introspection and inner reflection.
Heinrich Schmidt, Vienna.
"The Chase" captures the very essence of motion and movement. The frenzied high chords and intricate minor scales create a sense of urgency and tension, evoking the feeling of being pursued and on the run. The composition has a distinct film noir quality, like a Hitchcock thriller, reminiscent of the suspenseful and dramatic score of classic black and white films. The listener can almost imagine themselves in the midst of a desperate chase scene.
As the famous author, John le Carre, once said, "Paranoia is the necessary by-product of being constantly followed." This quote perfectly captures the intense feeling of this prelude, the mad dash towards escape. The complex layers of the piece captivate, drawing us ever deeper into its rich and intricate soundscape.
Manuel Ruiz, Los Angeles
A delightful piece that celebrates the joys of wandering and communing with nature. The work start swith a walking feel, with a steady and deliberate tempo, evoking the sense of setting out on a journey. As the prelude progresses, it builds in intensity, releasing the flight of a bird, with a lyrical melody that evoke the freedom and expansiveness of the open sky. The adventure ends with a return to the walking feel, with a sense of resolution and completion, conveying the sense of coming full circle in the journey.
Isabella Zammit, Malta
A captivating musical work that wonderfully captures the essence of the celestial sphere, filled with the serene beauty of the moon and stars.
The intricate and complex counter-rhythms in the middle of the piece create a sense of mystery and depth, I felt like I am journeying through the starry heavens, experiencing the passing of time leading up to the denouement that comes not long before the dawn.
Evensong transports the listener to a calm and otherworldly realm, evoking the unsurpassed beauty of the infinite cosmos.
Mai Nguyen, Hanoi
This short prelude evokes the joy of dance and the change between day and night. The gavotte was a popular dance in the courts of Europe during the 18th century, full of elegance and refinement, lightness and grace.
The music is marked by its emphasis on the downbeat, with a strong rhythm that encourages movement and flow. The melody is rich and full, with a sense of harmony that suggests a union of body and spirit, calling to my mind the ever beautiful German word "Gotterdamerung", which means “Twilight of the Gods."
Anneliese Weingartner, Salzburg
"Contemplations," is a reflective and introspective composition that reflects the solitude of a composer's life. The variations of the main theme could represent the different facets of his inner dialog, as they explore their emotions and thoughts. The music is marked by a sense of tranquility and stillness, with a unique melody that seems to float in the air. The composer's deep understanding of the human condition is evident in this beautiful and profound composition.
Astrid Hovland, Stockholm
A haunting piano prelude in B major that evokes the feeling of tragedy and loss. The music is marked by a sense of despair and hopelessness, with the notes tumbling down endlessly, as if there is no end to the pain. The melody is beautiful and poignant, with an air of melancholy pervading the entire piece.
However, amidst the sadness, there is also a sense of renewal. A beautiful arpeggiated chord signals a new beginning, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The repeated note motif at the end serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, while a restrained variant of the main melody completes the piece with a sense of finality.
The "Last of Love" is praised for its ability to capture the complex emotions of love and loss, a haunting reminder of the fragility of human relationships, and the pain that comes with their endings.
Sofia Katsaros, Santorini