Barely a year after the release of his magnificent orchestral album Aubadesthe Quebec pianist and composer Jean-Michel Blais proposes in Serenades lighter versions of five of his pieces, in addition to three new ones.
This new EP completely stripped of any arrangement leaves all the room for the very sensitive interpretation of the pianist. But if there is nothing better to highlight a melody than to bring it back to its simplest expression, the exercise is not perfect. If we recognize from the first notes the sublime Love for example, which keeps its essence, and that pieces like Loafer And Yanni keep all their energy, even without coating, we miss the living and vibrant envelope of Ouessant and of Whisperswhich seem to lack tone.
The minimalist bias of Serenades creates a chiaroscuro atmosphere, soft and calm with a low-fi touch that captures the immediacy of the moment – we hear a creaking floor, the breathing of the pianist while he plays, a sigh, a whistle, voices whispered.
In this kind of exercise in voluntary simplicity where he deconstructs a Bach chorale (117) and includes a short improvisation (Morning), there is a very touching new piece, The fall, for the left hand, which the pianist composed after injuring his right arm. All human fragility is contained in these three suspended minutes, like what the greatest emotions sometimes only need a few notes to be transmitted.
instrumental music
Serenades
Jean Michel Blais
Arts & Crafts