Piano Borealis

These pieces originate from ideas formed from a trip to the far North, namely Iceland, Greenland and parts of Norway. I couldn't help but be moved by the eerie yet beautiful landscapes, and the sea, both teeming with life. Music just had to be written and I hope it will inspire you too. "Islands of Ice" represents the ice bergs, large and small, that suddenly appear on the horizon and grow more numerous as we progress Northwards. The bluish hues and the continuous drifting of these,...
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These pieces originate from ideas formed from a trip to the far North, namely Iceland, Greenland and parts of Norway. I couldn't help but be moved by the eerie yet beautiful landscapes, and the sea, both teeming with life. Music just had to be written and I hope it will inspire you too. "Islands of Ice" represents the ice bergs, large and small, that suddenly appear on the horizon and grow more numerous as we progress Northwards. The bluish hues and the continuous drifting of these, often huge, meringue-like structures, cause a curious fascination. The quiet, spaced out notes at the beginning depict the remoteness of these floating marvels. The quicker sections can be played rubato. "Driftwood" contains flurries of notes, reminiscent of wave rolls, as they take control of something that appears inanimate and lifeless. The demi-semi quavers (thirty-second notes) are to be played as smoothly as possible, and there is no need to rush the performance. "Frozen Sea" was the result of an experiment using a five-note motif based on the notes E, G, A, C, B. Misty and moody, calm and broody. Play this piece in a free, imaginative style. This would serve as a good introduction to an 'emotional' method of playing. "Lava Fields" is possibly the most straightforward piece, with opening chords representing the rocks of the Northern lands which often lie very close to the molten, moving rock underneath. "Hot Spring" represents the geothermals, warm pools and milky-blue waters found particularly in Iceland. This is a fairly rhythmical and yet relaxing piece with some hand crossing. "Moving Earth" takes the theme of 'Lava Fields' further, depicting the earth that moves beneath our feet. This is the most animated piece and involves plenty of chromatic passages. "Big Sky" is a slow, peaceful description of the open landscape and the scarcity of trees, allowing the visitor to see for miles, providing the mist clears. Take time over the run up at bar 30. This is a piece for contemplation and reflection. "Winds of Change" serves as a reminder that everything changes, and the landscape is no exception.