Rosary of Rock Crystal

Stephen Webb

Rosary of Rock Crystal
Performed By Stephen Webb
Album UPC 885767937130
CD Baby Track ID 8875415
Label Spindlewood Arts
Released 2011-11-21
BPM 100
Rated 0
ISRC ushm91131230
Year 2011
Spotify Plays 63
Writers
Writer Stephen Webb
Pub Co Spindlewood Arts
Composer Stephen Webb
ClearanceFacebook Sync License,Traditional Sync,YouTube Sync ServiceOne Stop
Rights Controlled Master and Publishing Grant
Rights One-Stop: Master + 100% Pub Grant
Original/Cover/Public Domain original
Country UK - England - East Midlands

Description

A "chill-out" album of orchestral and piano music inspired by Sei Shonagon's Pillow Book

Notes

The tranquility and charm of Sei Shonagon's wonderful writing is reflected in this music for piano and orchestra.

Some titles relate to an item or items from her many lists, whilst others recall specific scenes or events. For instance, "Pines/Autumn Fields" begins with pine needles dropping to the floor(piano) and develops as the strings add an autumn mist through which the sun (French horn) tries to penetrate. " Even When It Rains" uses vibes piano and guitar for "rainy effects", whilst "Next-Morning Letter" musically describes the charming etiquette between two lovers. The tranquility of the writing is reflected throughout by the "chill-out" orchestral voicings and moods with sequences that surprise and please.

The saddest story is that of Okinamaro's banishment from court ("Okinamaro's Remorse") and the legend of The Weaver and the Herdsman is also faithfully related musically. "Night with a Clear Moon" is described musically in detail with owls flying slowly through the night, and furry creatures finding new shelter in shadows cast by the bright moon as it rises ever higher (flute solo). "Woodsmoke"uses harp and piano to evoke the aroma of pine torches as they waft through carriage windows.

Whether used simply for listening and relaxing, recalling favourite passages from the book or simply used as an ambient background for re-reading "The Pillow Book", the 51 minute playing time explores many aspects of Sei Shonagon's work.

Finally, the use of Hasegawa Tohaku's beautiful ink and paper screen drawing of pine trees for the CD cover was irresistable.

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