When I put on a new Brian Crain album I know from previous experiences that it will be a creative release. Even in the simplicity of solo piano he always has his very own style, a signature. Albums like A Summer in Italy (especially the track Midsummer Night) and Sienna are very dear to me. So when I started listening to his album Piano Opus I knew that it would contain something new and fresh. And yes, it did! Here are 11 gentle tracks, beautiful beyond words. A more peaceful selection og music is hard to find.

And there is a wonderful surprise on track 12. But more on that later!

It is always interesting to get to know what happened behind the scenes when a piece of art was created. On the cover of Piano Opus Brian Crain tells about how the album came to life. He says:

When I started working on my album Piano Opus in the summer of 2008, I didn’t have the faintest idea what I wanted to compose. This being my thirteenth album, I found it challenging to write something fresh. I listened to many other composers in an effort to spark inspiration. I was surprised by how many albums lose their appeal after the first few songs. So I set out to create a solo piano album that can keep the listener’s interest all the way through.

The album contain 11 tracks with a one word title with a connection to nature, like Wind, Earth, Water, Fire and so on. And they really do keep your interest. There is this rare intensity in all the melodies, something irresistible that hides beyond music; this is a perfect soundtrack for active day dreaming. The atmosphere is relaxed and light, but there is some melancholy here as well, rapidly drifting away. My favorite track is no. 3, Water.

And the surprise I mentioned above is a special version of Johann Pachelbel’s famous Canon in d. It is played in a soft way, yet fast, without any of the usual Canon in d passion. It makes Pachelbel’s old melody feel new and refreshed.

This is indeed a piano opus that you don’t want to miss. Brian Crain is one of the finest pianists out there, and he has given us yet another great album with an atmosphere that really keeps listener’s interest all the way through.

You can sample Piano Opus here.

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