Raphaël Novarina, Solo Piano X Review
Raphaël Novarina is a French composer and Pianist that composes in a variety of musical styles and setting, but mainly focuses on contemporary classical piano. Novarina also manages an “easy listening” music label. Novarina has an extensive collection of albums. His Solo Piano series has over ten albums of original solo piano music. The style of each album varies, but Novarina’s compositional styles are always based in the rich European classical tradition of forms and harmonic and melodic developments. Each album contains solid playing and themed around various forms. For example, Solo Piano VIII, is comprised of ten Etudes. While Solo Piano VII is all Funeral Marches. Now Novarian is releasing Solo Piano X, which has a theme of suites. The album contains ten suites composed by Novarian. A suite, in Western classical music, is an ordered set of instrumental pieces. Originating in the late 14th century as a pairing of dance tunes and grew in scope to comprise up to five dances, sometimes with a prelude. The separate movements were often thematically and tonally linked. In the Baroque era, the suite was an important musical form, also known as Suite de danses, Partita or Ouverture (after the theatrical “overture” which often included a series of dances) as with the orchestral suites of Christoph Graupner, Telemann and J.S. Bach.
Connect with Raphaël Novarina: Facebook |
Positives:
Novarina’s compositional style and performance is fluid and musical.
Bottom Line:
Solo Piano X has ten compositions showcasing the composer’s linear style and intense expressivity on the piano. The musical moods visit themes that have emotions ranging from contemplative to youthful ardor and even mature intellect. Novarina’s playing brings attention to inner lines and countermelodies to produce fresh insights into the music. “Suites Prémétiques, Se confronter à la vie” has a flowing melody with a steady accompaniment pattern. However, Novarina’s use of rhythmic tension and surprises in the composition is just as enjoyable as the harmonic tension and release within the harmonic progression. “Suites Prémétiques, Patience et humour” is filled with counterpoint. The music is energetic while still creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. “Suites Prémétiques, Prélude” is the most active composition and acts as a fitting closing track on the album. Novarina’s left and right hands emerge in a playful dialogue, while the accompanying rolling arpeggiated harmony is maintained underneath the main theme. In general, Novarina’s compositional style has a depth of historical reference, but he still manages to bring in enough sounds and rhythms to make his music fresh and relevant for today’s classical setting. That’s the short of it!