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In a musical
world arguably saturated by relaxing piano albums, it takes
something special for a listener to sit up and take notice. It
would seem that David Hicken has the gift to make his listeners
do just that. Not only is he able to
create beautiful, melodic pieces of music, he is able to do it with
a remarkable degree of consistency.
"Faeries" is the
third installment in a themed trilogy of recordings from this
Hawaiian-based composer. ‘A prolific composer’ would be an apt description
of David Hicken, for this is his third release in under a year-
the others being
Goddess and Angels.
"Faeries" features David's trademark gentle, melodic piano
compositions, but the listener is also treated to more up-tempo
tracks. Whilst many of the pieces retain their soporific feel,
others have real energy about them and I very much enjoy this
variety in his work.
This
CD opens with Faylinn, which means Fairyland in the
Celtic world. The composition's style is a cross between
Kevin Kern and Bernward Koch. It's a delicate piece,
played with grace and straight from the heart. A lovely start to
the CD. This is followed by Rhoslyn (of Welsh origin,
meaning ‘Lovely Rose’). This is more playful in form,
and an image of a fairy dancing from flower to flower
springs to mind. Lovely from start to finish, there is
mischievousness and energy in this fairy- and this is
conveyed by some sweeping notes and a more up-tempo
feel.
The third track, Titania (of Greek Origin,
meaning ‘Fairy Queen’) returns the listener to
an altogether gentler world. David plays the
piano with grace, and his playing of keys is
like droplets of rain tickling the ivories.
Having listened to all three of David's
recordings, "Faeries" is definitely the more
energetic of his releases. Track 4, Oberon
(‘King of the Faeries’) provides ample
illustration of this. Oberon is dancing, playing
and in high spirits- not to mention full of
life. This is a fun piece for the listener.
Ellette (‘Little Elf’) is a much gentler piece,
perhaps suggesting the delicate nature of this
individual. It is a very beautiful piece, and is
music for drifting.
Track six, Rusalka (‘Mermaid / Wood Sprite’)
epitomises the easy-going nature of the CD. As
with every piece on this album, it is very
accessible, and functions equally well as
background music and the focus of the listener's
attention.
It might well be Donella who features on the
back cover of the CD as well as the album's
seventh track. She is the dark-haired Elfin
girl, and the music which represents her
captures her beauty.
Alberich (‘A Dwarf’) is another gentle, heart-felt track
reminiscent of the style of Kevin Kern. It's followed by
Arethusa (‘Nymph’) which is my favourite track on the
CD. Featuring a delightful melody, it is a perfect
illustration of how David's aim of "creating and
performing beautiful music that provides a sense of
reflection, peace and harmony" (linear notes) has been
fully realised with the release of this album.
Lorelle, track 10, is apparently ‘Elfin Laura’- and she
certainly is a free-spirit. This is finger-tapping stuff
and great fun as well. David's hands dance wildly on the
piano in a way not heard on either of his other CDs. The
pace is slowed for the album's penultimate track, Nerida
(Aboriginal for ‘Flower’). It's as graceful as the title
would suggest.
All
good things have to come to an end, and so it is with
this CD. The album's closing track is entitled Shaylee
(of Celtic / Gaelic origin meaning ‘Fairy Princess of
the Field’). It's quite an upbeat track. Shaylee is busy
and always on the go. I enjoy this new side of David
Hicken very much.
Faeries is an excellent album. David Hicken deserves a
wide listening audience. His music is consistently of a
high standard. Recording quality is excellent, and this
album- along with his others- holds great melodic
appeal. An interview with David Hicken is in the
pipeline. In the meantime, be sure to check out his
latest release. ‘Faeries’ is a thoroughly deserving
recipient of the Piano-Heaven Award.
S.C.
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