Neoclassical Piano Preludes
The eleven Piano Prelude compositions featured on the album are atmospheric, minimalist, contemporary, and classical with subtle shifting harmonic and melodic movements with contrapuntal rhythms.
Recorded in Berlin at Hansa Studio Complex 2022.
Album review Kathy Parsons:
Neoclassical Piano Preludes is a wonderful collection of eleven original solo piano preludes composed and performed by award-winning, multi-faceted German composer and instrumentalist Gerhard Daum.
I can’t say I have a favorite of these eleven Preludes – I really like them all! The titles of the preludes are just the number of their playing order, 1-11, leaving the “meaning” of the music up to the listener. For me, “Prelude 1” is quietly reflective and perhaps a bit nostalgic and bittersweet – a lovely start! “Prelude 2” has a very fluid and expressive feeling of strength and optimism. “Prelude 3” goes much darker with a changing palette of chords that convey deep thought and emotion. “Prelude 5” seems to be searching for something with its “subtle shifting harmonic colors.” Several themes are woven together to create a beautiful whole. “Prelude 6” begins with a very minimalist series of chords, developing into a series of poignant and expressive themes that are elegant, graceful and deeply moving. Deeply reflective and introspective, “Prelude 9” seems to be looking inward for answers and direction while working through a dilemma or process – very honest and sincere. “Prelude 10” has a dreamy, slightly other-worldly feeling that I find evocative and intriguing. If I could choose only one Prelude, I think it would be this one. “Prelude 11” seems a bit lighter and more optimistic, bringing this excellent album to a close with a warm smile.
If you haven’t yet discovered the music of Gerhard Daum, Neoclassical Piano Preludes is a great place to start! Longtime fans will also be delighted with this new work! Very highly recommended!