Search - Silvard :: Picture of Time

A journey of mystical sounds of far off places.

06/23/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have known Silvard Kool for the better part of 20 years and listened to his music all most as long. Silvard is a very gifted writer and pianist. On this recording Silvard treats the listener to a journey of mystical sounds of far off places. Honshu Sunrise takes us on a dream like voyage of Asian mists and sounds. I use Silvard's music in teaching Yoga and meditation. I highly recommend this album and also Silvard's other works."

From MainlyPiano.com

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 03/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Picture of Time" is one of Silvard's earlier recordings, and is a beauty. All but one of the nine tracks are original, and are orchestrated with live musicians and keyboards in addition to Silvard on grand piano. The overall mood of the album is warm and optimistic, but a few of the pieces are a bit more haunting. One of those is "Voices in the Wind," which features Sophia Roberts' wordless vocals and Mary Alice McCann on cello. This piece is stunning, it's so beautiful! The piano carries most of the flowing melody, with voice and cello doing counter melodies and harmony. "Rainstorm" is also exceptional. Fully orchestrated with strings, percussion, and piano, the piece is full of passion and energy and yet is reflective and bittersweet. I really love this one! "Ecstasy" was composed in honor of Silvard's brother's wedding. Elegant and sweet without being cloying, this is a really nice opening piece. "Resolution" has the triumphant quality of a happy ending. "Honshu Sunrise" is a pleasant surprise with a Japanese spirit in the music. I also really like "Romanza," which is the one piece that Silvard didn't compose (composer anonymous). It has an Italian flavor, and features acoustic guitar and cello along with piano. The cover artwork for "Picture of Time" is a real bonus. It comes from a painting by John Stephens, and Silvard felt it captured different phases and aspects of his own life - the harbor of his birthplace, shells (he is also a marine biology professor), the harpsichord, etc. The painting is fascinating - a bit like Salvador Dali's work, with crystal-clear images and the juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated objects in places you wouldn't normally find them. "Picture of Time" is a great album, and a very satisfying musical experience. Recommended!"

A First-Class Piano CD

S. Cairns | Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, United Kingdom | 05/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a CD! This collection of orchestrated pieces of music is dominated by piano. Beautiful melodies envelop the disc from start to finish, and the CD has that all-too-rare quality of excellence throughout.
The orchestration really enhances the beauty of the piano playing. What also makes this CD so original and interesting, is the variety of the music contained within the disc. One minute, you are listening to the Japanese sounding Honshu Sunrise, the next, you are relaxing to the delights of the Italian sounding Romanza.
The highlight for me is definitely "Rainstorm", which is a joy to listen to. This track is full of energy and vivaciousness.
Also worthy of mention is the fascinating cover-art. I notice something different every time I look at it. Very M.S. Escher in style.
An excellent CD from a very talented pianist. Very highly recommended."