Cody Michaels celebrates winter
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Toolbox
By ART EDELSTEIN Arts Correspondent - Published: November 27, 2009
The concept of writing music based on seasonal themes is not new. Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is the musical standard and composers have tackled this theme many times in the ensuing centuries. The latest album from Montpelier-based pianist Cody Michaels "Winter Suite" also explored the closing season of the year. This particular album is a success.
Michaels is covering ground that George Winston trod 20 years ago. That music remains very popular, but this album, given wide enough listening, could also become a staple of music we move towards in the darkening months. The eight tracks and 47 minutes of solo piano make for relaxed and interesting listening.
Michaels is a trained classical pianist and his compositions reflect this background. He composes and plays with a keen understanding of how sound and sight intermingle. He's also cognizant of the emotional underpinnings that are part of how we respond to the change in seasons. There is a bittersweet sadness and beauty to tracks like "On the Shortest Day" that seem to perfectly frame this time of year.
I am writing this review at dusk, about 4:15 p.m., and the connection between Michaels' music and the all-encompassing depth of darkness this time of year is palpable. This musician's music and his playing are examples of an artist whose sensibilities are well connected to the world around him.
Michaels opens the CD with "Carol of the Bells," which owes much, he notes, to a Ukrainian carol "Shedryke." "On the Shortest Day," track two, is followed by "Winter Light," "Out in the Snow," "Below Zero," "Aurora Borealis," "Boreal Wind," concluding with "The Longest Night."
This whole program is well conceived, relaxing in tone and dynamics, but worthy of careful listening as Michaels plays with much feeling.
"Winter Suite" is the type of music you might want to transfer to your iPod for those days when you take a walk, snowshoe, or cross country ski. The music here can only enhance that experience.
Cody Michaels performs at the Bee's Knees in Morrisville on Dec. 12 and at First Night Montpelier.
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