The piano is perhaps the most common instrument, and certainly one of the most well recognized. Many children learn to play it, and so it becomes, to those who are inspired by it, an important part of early musical education. I took many years of lessons in it myself, before deciding that I loathed the practice time required to be any good. My choosing to stop playing, however, did not render moot my appreciation for piano. It is an instrument which is good at mimicking for the audience the emotional status of the player. Despite its seemingly limited range, the piano player is capable of representing many different compositions. The piano pieces I have chosen for this weeks edition are featured not only for the carefully placed notes of the player, but also for the empty spaces in between the notes. If you lean into the sound, perhaps by putting in headphones and closing your eyes, you will understand how it is that the piano can represent so much emotion with such simple melodies. This is the concerto.
This is the Blisswave.
1. Dustin O’Halloran – Runner
The piano is not the only instrument in this track, as it is in all of the others. It does, however, play a central role. I really like the chords. They, as the title suggests, seem to mimic the methodical nature of putting one foot in front of the other. The pace varies, but the same sort of theme permeates the whole song. It is quite relaxing.
Support the Artist: http://www.dustinohalloran.com/
2. Oskar Schuster – Matilda
Oskar Schuster does some cool stuff with his piano. He likes to implement a subtle bit of digital editing that accentuates the centrally soulful sound. I would encourage you to listen to more of his music. Matilda is one of my favorites. It reminds me of sitting in a car during a rainstorm with my head pressed up against the glass. Just watching the water run its random course.
Support the Artist: http://shop.oskarschuster.com/
3. Goldmund – Threnody
To fully appreciate this track, you’ve got to pay equal attention to the empty spaces. This song is the sound of melancholy. A feeling which can often overtake us when life seems a mostly pointless struggle, when the odds seem increasingly in favor of our opposition. Next time you feel this way, perhaps accompany your feelings with Threnody, it is a good soundtrack for sadness.
Support the Artist: http://www.unseen-music.com/
4. Philip Glass – Opening
Philip Glass is a wonderful composer, and his songs make up a good chunk of my more classically minded library. This song reminds me of riding a bicycle up a steep hill. Each chord sequence providing an aggressive motivation to push further forward, onto the next challenge. At the same time though, there is something graceful about the music. Listen closely.
Support the Artist: http://www.philipglass.com/
5. Nils Frahm – You
Nils Frahm’s album “Screws” was recorded using only nine fingers. He fell and broke one of his fingers, and so, despite his pain, recorded a whole album. The pain at the loss of his finger, upon which his career as a concert pianist depended, is palpable throughout all of the tracks. Despite the apparent pain, there is also a sense of hope and perseverance. The entire album is well worth a listen while you’re studying for your next math test.
Support the Artist: http://www.nilsfrahm.com/
That’s all for this week of Blisswave. If you want to email suggestions for future themes, or have requests for music you’d like to see featured, email me at ethantrunnell@gmail.com. The only promise I can make is to consider your suggestion. See ya next week, and enjoy the beats.
Ethan Trunnell
Blog Writer – Aggie Radio
