Release Date: July 18, 2022
Label: Independent
Amazing how one thought and music can unravel an idea and how it
forms and becomes your truth. Music is that powerful and persuasive. So how
did Isle of Shadows work
its magic when I listened?
Classical music holds so much tradition and everlasting beauty.
Its importance goes beyond what words can say. So why not do what countless
others have and will again, sit at a piano and give the nod to the great
composers and compositions? It makes sense and finds validation in each talent
and interpretation of those timeless pieces. Respect for the music is
imperative. The legacy of the music and composers must be handled very
carefully, and above all, you must be an outstanding musician.
Starting with the dreamy artwork on the album cover, with the
lovely pastels that are pleasant to the eye and senses, is a good start. Rest
assured; the painting perfectly matches the relaxing meditative sounds you are
about to enjoy. It is identified as new age classical piano, which is an
appropriate assessment.
Christopher Boscole has answered the call of the greats and
played all these tracks with the utmost care and precision. The artist, in this
case, has transformed into a different kind of piano player, one that can take
the sublime beauty of the title track and create his rendition from a blank
canvas. The composition by Selim Palmgren, is significant because the entire
recording is named after it. That name does not come up when someone discusses
Chopin, Bach, and Debussy. Perhaps that is why the composer, and the track are
getting the spotlight. It will bring forth an awareness of the talent of this
otherwise unrecognized master.
The more I hear recordings like Isle of Shadows, the realization that these
compositions' brilliance and musical perfection attain full recognition from my
point of view. This happens when an artist takes each track into a solo piano
excursion. It is much more meaningful and appreciated by this listener. It
makes me wonder why I have not explored classical music on a more profound
level. Perhaps after absorbing this superb recording, I will reevaluate my
music collection and endeavor to reach out further to explore this music that I
found so appealing.
After paying tribute to all the masters, the artist closes the curtain with an original saying, "Until We Meet Again." A perfect ending and as close to perfection as one can get on an album.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
August 31, 2022
Tracks:
01. Romance Sans Paroles in Ab major, Op. 17 No. 3 (3:21) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)
02. Nocturne in Eb Major, Op. 9 No. 2 (5:11)
03. Sonata No. 8 Op. 13 “Pathetique”II. Adagio Cantabile (4:45)
04. 6 Lyric Pieces, Op. 28 “Isle of Shadows”II. Skuggornas O (5:56)
05. Pavane, Op. 50 (4:32) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)
06. Préludes, Book I, L. 117: Vii. La fille aux cheveux de lin (3:30) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)
07. Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”: I. Adagio sostenuto (5:31)
08. Suite No. 3 in D Major: II. Air (4:44) (Arranged by Christopher Boscole)
09. 24 Preludes, Op. 28: No 17 in A-flat major (4:15)
10. Solace: A Mexican Serenade (5:21)
(Arranged by Christopher Boscole)
11. Kinderszenen, Op. 15: No. 7, Traumerei (2:59)
12. Until We Meet Again (5:41)
