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Italian
composer Ludovico Einaudi has enjoyed tremendous success
in the UK recently as well as in his homeland. His music
found its way onto the popular and influential British
radio station Classic FM, and immediately drew a huge
response from listeners. In most cases, their first
exposure to Ludovico's music will have been arguably his
most popular composition- his signature piece, "Le Onde"
which translates into "The Waves".
This beautiful piece, inspired by the writing in
Virginia Woolf's novel, "The Waves", is the
first track to be featured in this 2003
collection. It features 17 tracks, including
three previously unreleased pieces. Ludovico set
out to explore the ideas behind the waves, time
and life. The end result is a highly melodic
piece, which successfully captures the rhythm of
the waves. The basic melody is constant
throughout, but subtly changes at different
points, just as one might expect of the waves.
Another lovely piece is Fuori dalla
Notte which translates "Out of the
Night". This piece combines cello and
double bass with piano and the end
result is unforgettable. It was written
at a time when Ludovico had "Writer's
Block" and, after many fruitless hours
producing work that failed to meet his
own high standard, he finally created
something with which he was happy. To
him, this was the light at the end of
the tunnel- hence the title of the
track.
"I Giorni" ("The Days") is a catchy
solo-piano track, which is followed by
another lovely piece, "La Linea Scura"
(The Dark Line"). Once again influenced
by the writing of Woolf, Ludovico
decided to capture in music the
description in words by Woolf of the
line on the horizon where the clouds
meet the sea.
"Eden Roc" is something of a departure
from the norm on the CD, but is
nonetheless a catchy piece, which
features piano and guitar. The two
instruments combine really well later in
the track with Marco Decimo on filtered
cello.
"Nefeli" is another solo-piano track and is very
beautiful. It is dedicated to the daughter of a
couple he would regularly visit. Ludovico was
inspired by her vivaciousness. Although Nefeli
is Greek for Clouds, to Ludovico, it reminds him
of sunshine, and this is how he viewed the
little girl.
A personal favourite of mine is Due Tramonti-
"Two Sunsets". I don't believe there to be any
more beautiful combination of instruments than
piano and cello, and this piece, I feel,
illustrates that wonderful relationship
perfectly. It is gorgeous! The story behind the
music dates back to a story told to Ludovico by
his father. Apparently, when driving with a
friend, they saw the most beautiful sunset in
the Italian hills. Blown away by the stunning
act of nature they had just witnessed, his
father put his foot down on the pedal and they
hurried up the next hill in order to have the
luxury of a second viewing. This was the night
they saw Two Sunsets.
"Giorni Dispari" ("Odd Days") is a very popular
piece and again features the lovely combination
of piano and cello. It is a musical
interpretation of one of those haphazard days we
all experience from time to time, where nothing
quite goes to plan. The unexpected change in
rhythmic structure captures in musical form one
such day.
These are just a few of the highlights in this
extraordinary album, which totals nearly 79
minutes. I highly recommend it.
S.C.
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