Liner Notes: Redefining minimalism The one and only thing that bothers me about the music of Lachini is that I didn't find it sooner. I was first introduced to it in early 2008, and the quality and overall synthesis of th... more »e pieces blew my mind. And as I did more research about Lachini, his background and his music, the more interested I became. Put simply, these are pieces that are hard to believe are being written today. They're that ahead of their time. Comparisons to contemporaries happen-as they often do-when it comes to trying to explain Lachini's music to those who are uninitiated. But it seems like the right adjectives aren't always there. Either way, it needs to be said: Steve Reich and Thomas Newman really have nothing on Fariborz Lachini when it comes to mindful reductivism in classical music. Although both composers do what they do very well, the frequent comparisons to Lachini's compositions aren't really the most accurate ones. True, both Reich and Newman fall along the lines of creating soundscapes for a new wave world. But minimalism, a benign enough term that's often been used to describe Lachini's compositions, is also a name that doesn't go far enough when talking about his music. Lachini, who is known and revered for his film compositions (and of course, the rest of his extensive body of work) for decades like Newman, stands alone with a gift for creating compositions that are so emotionally searing that it's easy to be curious about their sources. And while Lachini's compositions are vivacious, it's also obvious that they would easily succeed in every era-their origins even seem mysterious, as though the compositions were just discovered as sheet music in a tucked-away vault somewhere and had just been given new life. Case in point: the "Requiem" album. This batch of neo-classical opuses would very easily be just at home in Europe at the turn of the century as it is in 2008, enrapturing audiences from all walks of life. This album also marks the first time he's venturing into the territory of a pure classical album. Lachini's background-he's Iranian but studied music in Paris-led to him learning how to combine aspects of music from his homeland with what he heard in Europe. The results, especially on "Requiem", are galvanic and vibrant. What he has created here is an intensity that translates across genres- which is proven by the fact that he's also managed to parlay this quiet but critical intensity into more than 100 film scores. Vitality can come in a variety of forms, and with this album, you can set your expectations well beyond the typical classical music canon. You can anticipate subtlety, suspense and longing, too-all of which are genuinely lost arts in classical music. --Stephanie R. Myers, New York City, August 2008« less
Liner Notes: Redefining minimalism The one and only thing that bothers me about the music of Lachini is that I didn't find it sooner. I was first introduced to it in early 2008, and the quality and overall synthesis of the pieces blew my mind. And as I did more research about Lachini, his background and his music, the more interested I became. Put simply, these are pieces that are hard to believe are being written today. They're that ahead of their time. Comparisons to contemporaries happen-as they often do-when it comes to trying to explain Lachini's music to those who are uninitiated. But it seems like the right adjectives aren't always there. Either way, it needs to be said: Steve Reich and Thomas Newman really have nothing on Fariborz Lachini when it comes to mindful reductivism in classical music. Although both composers do what they do very well, the frequent comparisons to Lachini's compositions aren't really the most accurate ones. True, both Reich and Newman fall along the lines of creating soundscapes for a new wave world. But minimalism, a benign enough term that's often been used to describe Lachini's compositions, is also a name that doesn't go far enough when talking about his music. Lachini, who is known and revered for his film compositions (and of course, the rest of his extensive body of work) for decades like Newman, stands alone with a gift for creating compositions that are so emotionally searing that it's easy to be curious about their sources. And while Lachini's compositions are vivacious, it's also obvious that they would easily succeed in every era-their origins even seem mysterious, as though the compositions were just discovered as sheet music in a tucked-away vault somewhere and had just been given new life. Case in point: the "Requiem" album. This batch of neo-classical opuses would very easily be just at home in Europe at the turn of the century as it is in 2008, enrapturing audiences from all walks of life. This album also marks the first time he's venturing into the territory of a pure classical album. Lachini's background-he's Iranian but studied music in Paris-led to him learning how to combine aspects of music from his homeland with what he heard in Europe. The results, especially on "Requiem", are galvanic and vibrant. What he has created here is an intensity that translates across genres- which is proven by the fact that he's also managed to parlay this quiet but critical intensity into more than 100 film scores. Vitality can come in a variety of forms, and with this album, you can set your expectations well beyond the typical classical music canon. You can anticipate subtlety, suspense and longing, too-all of which are genuinely lost arts in classical music. --Stephanie R. Myers, New York City, August 2008
CD Reviews
Brilliant!
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 09/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Requiem" is a stunning new solo piano collection from Iranian-Canadian pianist/composer Fariborz Lachini. Lachini has been experiencing a wonderfully creative period this past year, composing music in a classical style that imitates no particular composers or even specific classical eras. The music is more formal in structure, but Lachini's emotional content is as powerful as ever. These classically-styled pieces are Lachini's strongest and most entrancing works to date, and some are among the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. Lachini's playing is never flashy or overly-embellished, allowing the emotions and colors of the music to tell their stories, from the composer's heart to the listener's. With the world in such a troubled state, Lachini makes it clear that people of different cultures share the same emotions and feel the same pain and joy, demonstrating what a unifying force music can be. Lachini is able to pour his heart and soul into his piano music so completely that his themes become universal despite any language and cultural differences. His music will touch the hearts of anyone willing to listen.
One would be hard-pressed to find a more passionate or eloquent song of mourning in any genre of music than Lachini's "Requiem." The feeling of utter loss and emptiness flows throughout this piece, becoming deeply personal to anyone who hears it. Most of us have had these feelings at some time in our lives (hopefully not too often!), but only a few can express them with the depth and poignant beauty that Lachini has created at the piano. The intimacy and raw emotion of the piece speak a profound truth, and it is easy to visualize Lachini pouring his soul into the piano late at night, seeking solace in the soothing power of music. "Blossom" is lighter in mood and spirit, quietly celebrating the wonders of spring and the miracle that is a new flower. As in all of the marvels of nature, there is a tinge of sadness, and that emotion is communicated in this piece as well. The quiet melody and simple accompaniment rely on the passion of the playing to bring forth the colors and expression that tell the story. As the piece develops, it becomes embellished with trills that suggest the fluttering of a butterfly's wings or perhaps a hummingbird's flight around the blossom, or even a gentle breeze that causes the petals to flutter. Regardless, the musical scenario is one of perfection and wonder, and the piece is a delight for the ears. "Unafraid" is my favorite of Lachini's works so far. Very contemplative and deeply emotional, "Unafraid" begins with just a hint of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," but moves into the present after the first few bars, played with Lachini's distinctive emotional power and passion. The piece is tinged with sadness, but it also conveys hope and perhaps humility, looking toward the future as well as reviewing the past with honest self-examination. "Enigmatic Heart " is darkly beautiful and compellingly honest, speaking of tragic loss and grief. Many composers manipulate the listener with over-the-top theatrics, but Lachini composes from an inner place that expresses only the truth. The piece is not without hope, but the mood is definitely somber and pensive. Some of the words that came to mind as I was listening to "Emerging From the Clouds" included "graceful," "elegant," and "sad." The simplicity of the notes in this piece make it very easy to understand and relate to, but the emotional impact comes from the powerful sensitivity of the artist playing the music.
Sure to be an international hit, I give it "Requiem" my highest recommendation!"
A great neo-classical CD. Point.
Luis J. | Amora, Portugal | 03/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is, in what terms we want to classify it, a great album: neo-classical quiet and relaxing music, very well played, with a melodic and harmonic sense that is rare to listen these days. As it is a requiem, the music is melancholic but, in the end, we feel a great releif, a great peace at our souls and a beatitude that we rarely feel. Of course I'm talking for myself, but you can try it just listening a piece of it at http://www.lala.com/artist/Fariborz_Lachini#album/2306124484406505550 and prove that it weel worth the complete listening."
A bit melencholy and reflective
M. Jobbagy | Florida | 03/19/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I liked this cd. It's not something I would listen to everyday, but there are times when you want to relax, or drift along to think about things, and this will fit the bill.
It sounds sad and melancholy, but isn't that what a requiem is? I was mostly surprised to hear music like this still being written and performed so well. You could imagine this being listened to by people in the old days, with their powdered wigs and velvet clothes. And yet it does sound fresh and new at the same time.
Look for more from Fariborz Lachini, you won't be disappointed.
"
A Relaxing Album
C. Carl Varney | Charleston, WV United States | 03/18/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I find this album to be very mellow and relaxing. The music is played skillfully and with feeling. Close your eyes and let it wash over you to reset your mind after a hard day of work.
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1