REPOSE Seidl

Jasmin Seidl, piano
Cugate Classics (2021)

New from Cugate Classics is a restful collection of original piano pieces by Jasmin Seidl. Gently Minimalist, these offer Glass-like strains although nod to Classical structure and melodicism. Commencing with ‘Sea’, pleasingly underplayed, a glock picks out higher ranges with the percussive aspect of a triangle. If you enjoy Elena Kats-Chernin, you’ll love this: peaceful, calm, serene. The pieces sustain a carillon quality.


‘Sunday Sarabande’ lilts and drifts, with slight shifts of cadence and tempo. ‘Mourning’ proffers slow and ponderous trails in between sets of descendant chords. ‘Lullaby Talk’ repeats its echoey refrain of rising and falling minor thirds – again reminiscent of bells. With ‘Wings’, simple phrases attain tonal height to airily meander.


I confess to expecting contrast with ‘Valse Triste’, being in fact a slow stroll in 4/4. Its ‘waltz’ element is a repeating motif in the left hand. ‘Melting’ is indeed so: fluid and dreamy, a background string adding a drone element. Passages quicken in an alternate 3/4, as if a ‘valse triste’ is contained within. Finally, something lighter and brighter. ‘Glow’ is a duet for one, alongside a melodic overlay on electric piano.

The album is perfect for much-needed moments of tranquillity and reflection, during these uncertain times.

– Martin Slidel



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