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Reviews

Michael Jon Fink — Celesta
(Cold Blue CB0053, 2018, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2019-03-08

Celesta Cover art

Twelve solo pieces for celesta are presented here, short instrumental pieces in the two to three minute range wih one exception; they are introspective and mysterious, covering a wide range of emotions that pull the most power and feeling out of every single note. The pieces are similar in that the presentation is simple and spacious, with the most emphasis on the melodies that wander through a surreal landscpe of muted colors and soft shimmering beauty, all the while triggering feelings of joy, loneliness, mystery, wonder, and pensiveness, sometimes all within the same few measures. Fink chose to perfom this himself (often the Cold Blue composers have other musicians perform their pieces) and although this could have been performed on a piano, it’s the celesta, with its metallic bell-like sound that gives these pieces their unique character, existing in their own world unlike any other, beckoning the listener to completely immerse themselves. Within the stillness of the moment and intense feelings the composer brings forth, one can easily find oneself in a sort-of trance-like state that over the course of the twelve pieces begs for a repeat spin. In the process of famiiarization I have found myself playing this for hours on end, each time becoming more focused on its beauty and simplicity.

Filed under: New releases, 2018 releases

Related artist(s): Michael Jon Fink

 

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