“A beautiful dance of sound. Stunning and emotive contrasts.” “…dreamy and delicate…” “…patient and careful…”
Part 1 was emotionally stunning. Part 2 cemented our respect and awe. Part 3 reshaped what we thought was improvisationally & musically possible.
And, while we’ve adored the entire One Song series, Part 4, which introduced listeners to sonic enlightenment, loomed largest in our heart to this point. That is, until today.
The Melbourne, Australian music-smith with no off-switch, Galliano Sommavilla, the very same who created the astounding Original Song A Day For A Year project (whereby between May 6 2013 and May 5 2014, he wrote, composed, arranged, recorded, and uploaded to the web one original instrumental song a day for a year), has returned in resounding fashion with a fifth installment in his latest project vision. Officially The Ark of Music’s most published artist in this moment, Galliano-fans, it is our pleasure to bring to you: One Song 5.
“…feels like the music-smith himself has arrived—if only for a moment—at a place of true contentment. A place where the violence of ambition has—if only for a moment—faded to the background and left behind a simple brand of stillness to which we can all cling—if only for a moment.”
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Opening with delicate curiosity and strong classical undertones reminiscent of part 1, we can hear strong Debussy-esque undertones once more. What is immediately present is this man’s ability to translate every thought-feeling into beautiful resonant sound—in real time, no plan, no sheet music, no conductor. Just a clear path from heart and mind—to hands and keys; and an unparalleled ability to focus on that path.
Waterfalls at 2:05 form a peaceful landscape, a stream side, a hillside. A minute later, a flock of birds passes overhead, as the vision here becomes clear: we are listening to the conversation of Mother Nature.
As we stroll through glade & forest, brook & meadow, other creatures come and go, mingle and chat. Many personalities are present. Some small light and young, some heavy old and wise.
Night falls at 11:30, and the land transforms into something more still, though no less beautiful. Fireflies and luna moths flutter about as day-walkers rest beneath the moonlight.
There is a tone of harmony and understanding throughout the piece. A lack of questions. An absence of confusion. And, as the sun begins to rise at 19:20, lighting up the landscape once more, the mystery of this new day comes alive, complete with joy and fear, nonchalance and intensity, calm and danger. Accepted above everything here, is the balance.
That, my friends, is the magic of part five. Balance. Each high has its low. Each explosion has its lull. Each day has its night. Capturing that essence of balance in song is the feat of part 5. And, as we leave this luscious sonic landscape, the creatures and sounds, the sun and the moon, and the waking dream, a peaceful state of gratitude overwhelms.
IN CONCLUSION…
An epic, contrast-rich, cinematic composition. A breathtaking channeling of the wills of the musical gods. Musical medicine against which no virus stands a chance. None. To expand on the thought just above; in a word, Galliano Sommavilla’s latest entry into the One Song universe, the brilliantly abstract, One Song 5, could be described as: balance. For, each phrase and lick, each sequence and theme, each dynamic change, expresses a sonic balance. An exploration to explore. A mood for its own sake. A dance because one can. A sound for the ear’s pleasure alone, nothing more.
I’m not sure where this comes from. Understand, Galliano sits before his grand, and plays. Nothing more. I do not understand where the sonic data comes from, nor how he is able to process the emotion into key strokes so quickly, so seamlessly, so unfiltered, so doubtless, so without fear. It is, in all honesty, beyond my ability to comprehend. I envision the man with a steady humble brow and a golden stream of light passing through his body, flooding forth from his hands as they lay across the keys. There is a dialog happening when he plays, in a language few to which any will understand or relate. His ability is one of life’s great mysteries. Please enjoy a bit of One Song 5 below.
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
A stirring & masterful amalgamation of Classical, and New Age piano music…
BELOW: Listen to music from Galliano Sommavilla’s album, One Song 5, and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Galliano Sommavilla by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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