Hailing from the Ukraine, Sophia Agranovich has been playing piano since childhood. Introduced to music by her parents, she began accompanying her mother’s beautiful voice, and at age five, entered the Chernivtsi Music School, studying with the greatest music teachers in Ukraine. Continuing to excel, Sophia later emigrated to the United States where she entered the Juilliard School – she graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, and later became a teacher at this prestigious institution.
And the prologue above? It’s my long-winded way of saying this: Sophia Agranovich is a true and tempered talent, and anything she releases is simply more of an incomparable pedigree. With her latest release, “Love Serenade,” Agranovich and company continue to mine that talent and decades of studious musical discovery. Let’s discuss:
Already at the start, “Love Serenade” reveals itself a mosaic of musical styles – classical, Middle Eastern, and perhaps even a tad Celtic. Who’s contributing to such a multi-dimensional affair?
Besides Agranovich on piano, “Love Serenade” features Lili Haydn and Hamid Saeidi from Opium Moon, Subhas Bose on sitar, Hamid Saeidi on Iranian Santoor and Aronyo Choudhary on Indian Santoor, and some assistance with additional instrumentation, programming and arranging from the renowned Rupam Sarmah. And yes, their prowess is on an even keel with Agranovich. (And now, back to the music.)
The piece features melodies by Franz Schubert and some original compositions augmenting said melodies courtesy of Agranovich and Sarmah. So, there are some themes you’ll perhaps recognize, but granted a bit more musical punch with flurries of violin or sitar highlighting a moment, or offering brief and striking accompaniment.
But is it good?
Do you like longer form classical music that flows with what’s asked of it, not completely restrained by its standard modes of operation and open to accompanying but distinct musical languages? Are you a fan of soothing, contemplative music that stretches boundaries while admiring its foundations? Then you will LOVE yet another instance of Sophia Agranovich’s enchanting output.
(And as a bonus, proceeds from Love Serenade will support non-profit One Little Finger Global Foundation (that partners with many other charitable organizations) and children of the world.)
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BELOW: Listen to Love Serenade and check out Sophia Agranovich on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (“X”). Please support Sophia Agranovich by visiting her website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing her music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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