Please notice this is an Audio CD not a Karaoke CD!
Music composed and performed by Michael Nyman (solo piano)
Michael Nyman is one of the most successful living composers in the world. With a broad range of work that encompasses chamber operas, orchestral works, pieces for his own Michael Nyman Band, through to film soundtracks, his diverse output has won both critical acclaim and widespread public approval. Unusually, for a composer, his sales can be counted in the millions - the soundtrack for Jane Campion’s “The Piano” alone has sold in excess of three million copies worldwide. Over the last decade, there has been a consistent demand for an album of solo piano music as performed by the composer. For a variety of reasons – not least his prolific output as a result of so many commissions for concert hall and film – the timing has never been right. However, with the imminent launch of Nyman’s own label, the opportunity to make this most personal of musical statements has proved irresistible and “The Piano Sings” is set to become the first of two recordings chosen to launch the imprint. (The second, a recording of the opera “Man and Boy: Dada” follows at the end of May).
“The Piano Sings” features music originally recorded for film soundtracks from 1993 to 2003 including Gattaca, Wonderland, The Diary of Anne Frank, The End of the Affair, The Claim, Man with a Movie Camera and, of course, The Piano. With their more familiar Michael Nyman Band or orchestral settings removed, the pieces return to the personal creative point at which the music originates (and is thus an entirely appropriate signature album for the launch of his new label.) Nyman has commented that “since I compose at the piano, all of my music starts out as piano music, so the opportunity to get back to its essence appealed to me; hence the decision to make the album.” The album deliberately focuses on the lyrical side of Nyman’s piano playing, hence the title.
Michael has a consistently high public profile as a result of constant touring and is always popular with journalists due to a willingness to engage and discuss music, sport and much more besides. The album release will be backed up with independent press, radio and TV promotion to maximise exposure for the album and label launch. Marketing support via print advertising and appropriate retail co-op campaigns will be sought.
While the term “classical crossover” has become akin to a swear word in some quarters, Nyman’s music has displayed an ability to reach a mass audience and cross over in the best sense – with no compromise expected on behalf of composer or listener. “The Piano Sings” is the ideal album for both his large fanbase and the more occasional classical music buyer.
CD 1
1Diary of Love (The End of the Affair)
2If (The Diary of Anne Frank)
3Franklyn (Wonderland)
4The Morrow (Gattaca)
5Jack (Wonderland)
6The Heart asks Pleasure First (The Piano)
7Debbie (Wonderland)
8The Departure (Gattaca)
9Why? (The Diary of Anne Frank)
10Odessa Beach (Man with a Movie Camera)
11Lost and Found (The Piano)
12The Exchange (The Claim)
13Candlefire (The Diary of Anne Frank)
14All Imperfect Things (The Piano)
15Diary of Love [reprise] (The End of the Affair)
This Product was added to our catalogue on Tuesday, 17. October 2006.
