The precursor to 1982's commercial breakthrough, December, George Winston's 1980 Windham Hill debut boasts all the lyrical power and poignancy of its follow-up. A simple, clear recording for solo piano, Autumn finds Winsto... more »n developing simple melodic motifs with studied left-hand underpinning, on hypnotic pieces like "Woods," which moves from a brisk rhythmic figure to rubato minor-key runs. Leaving pauses and breaths in all the right places, Winston suggests the play of color and light, the comfortable melancholy, and the encroaching slow-down that characterizes the fall season. Full of memorable themes, sure pacing, and whiffs of classical grandeur, Autumn is a timeless album that belongs to the firmament of the new age canon. --James Rotondi« less
The precursor to 1982's commercial breakthrough, December, George Winston's 1980 Windham Hill debut boasts all the lyrical power and poignancy of its follow-up. A simple, clear recording for solo piano, Autumn finds Winston developing simple melodic motifs with studied left-hand underpinning, on hypnotic pieces like "Woods," which moves from a brisk rhythmic figure to rubato minor-key runs. Leaving pauses and breaths in all the right places, Winston suggests the play of color and light, the comfortable melancholy, and the encroaching slow-down that characterizes the fall season. Full of memorable themes, sure pacing, and whiffs of classical grandeur, Autumn is a timeless album that belongs to the firmament of the new age canon. --James Rotondi
Bruce C. (theologian) from MOUNT SIDNEY, VA Reviewed on 10/29/2010...
If you feel like shutting out the world and just enjoying some great piano music for a while, whether driving, studying or resting, Winston is a great artist to have on your choice of player. I have this Autumn CD as well as other CDs of George Winston and they all sooth and relax me. Inside of many of Winston's arrangements are pieces of songs we are familiar with from other genres. They make me smile when I hear them. If you enjoy the wide rich range of the piano you will certainly enjoy Winston's rendition.
CD Reviews
Feeling the "love of my life" with this "ballad of my life"
Aaron Blight | 07/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been listening this masterpiece album for almost ten years. But one day in last December, I realized that full of this album, namely Colors/Dances, became the ballad of my life. Because, somewhere in Central Asia I spent five great days with the love of my life by listening it almost every moment. It is not easy to explain how we felt so high during this time, but even today, I can say, it is the music of our love."
Enchanting
Aaron Blight | Westminster, Maryland United States | 09/09/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are looking for excellent solo piano music, look no further. Autumn is the predecessor to George Winston's 1982 masterpiece, December, and fittingly poses as a worthy runner-up to the pianist's very best work. It's difficult to capture such passionate performance on a solo piano studio recording, but George Winston's sincerity and emotion shimmers through each track on this remarkable disc. From the poignant "Colors/Dance" to the meandering "Road" and through the kinetic-sounding "Stars," this album is a captivating listen. While fall is an appropriate season to listen, don't let the title of this album fool you. This is music you can play any time of the year! I find myself listening to this album frequently whenever I want to relax and hear beautiful, contemplative music. Autumn contains some of the most earnest, soulful, and invigorating solo piano music I have ever heard. I highly recommend this album and Winston's subsequent 1982 release to you!"
These one line summaries are annoying.
Aaron Blight | 10/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"George Winston is less concerned about producing structured compositions than he is about evoking autumn, which happens to be my favorite season. The pieces surround you with notes swirling as beautifully as colored leaves in the wind. My favorite is Colors/Dance. It are relaxing (in a good way) and full of haunting, simple, beautiful melodies."
In thee words: thrilling, beautiful,& fun!
Aaron Blight | 03/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I was a small child, my mother played this "tape" to put me to sleep. So the only comment I have is that it isrelaxeing , and will set your dreams free.Now that I have my own son, we listen to "autum", ever night ,I can tell he loves it too!!"
Truly beautiful, if somewhat melancholy.
Aaron Blight | 07/07/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is mellifluous and rythmical, sometimes sad, almost haunting, but thoroughly enjoyable. Winston's style is simple, deliberate and precise, with piano solos that capture the "feel" of autumn before the onset of winter. The recording quality is excellent. Autumn is far beyond the typical "new age" work and deserving of praise."