Jerome Ottiere
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
memorable piano classics performed by a brilliant pianist
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Mary Ann
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
Love this performer. Everything he does is excellent.
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Michael Diamond
5.0 out of 5 stars Review excerpt from Music and Media Focus
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2014
On his previous album Christopher Boscole featured his original impressionistic piano compositions, however, on his latest release entitled " A New Age Of Classical Piano," he turns his creative focus to interpreting a sampling of works by some of the greatest classical composers the world has known. The first four tracks pay homage to Claude Debussy. On track two, Christopher's piano virtuosity is astounding as he launches into this extremely complex and quick tempo composition. The pace slows considerably on track 3, "Clair de Lune," one of Debussy's most well known movements. Like the moonlight the song is named for, Christopher's playing illuminates the elegance of this gorgeous composition. As if lost in a dream, the final homage to Debussy entitled "Reverie," drifts peacefully along and highlights Christopher's ability to excel on a more understated theme in comparison with his more ornate playing. Of particular interest to me was "Gymnopedie No.1" by Erik Satie since the series of three pieces is considered a precursor to modern ambient music.
After hearing 8 tracks of music written by some of the world's greatest composers, I was intrigued to hear how Christopher's original composition would compare. I can't say on a technical or compositional level how it equates with the Masters, but in a purely visceral way, I was indeed moved by it, and dare I say that it was perhaps my favorite track on the album. I also appreciated the spaciousness and cinematic quality of Christopher's other original track, "Playing Rain." To my ear, this impressionistic piece had as much of feel of new age music as neoclassical at times, recalling the likes of artists like George Winston, David Lanz, or Liz Story. I have a great deal of respect for anyone who can undertake iconic classical music such as this and perform it respectfully, yet with a bit of his or her own flavor. "A New Age of Classical Piano," beyond being a sterling listening experience, was also for me, an educational one as well. Hearing the works of so many great composers in one place and following along with Christopher's program notes, opened my ears and my mind to the differences in style and influences between them. Christopher deserves a lot of credit for this recording and it serves as brilliant showcase for his phenomenal talent. The only thing left to say is... bravo!
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Kathy Parsons
5.0 out of 5 stars From MainlyPiano
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2014
I never know what to expect when I get a CD with the terms “new age” and “classical piano” juxtaposed since quite a few compilations are arrangements, often simplified and shortened for listeners with “on-the-fly” listening preferences. Much to my delight, Christopher Boscole plays this collection of classical favorites mostly as originally composed with a few personal touches here and there. His "A New Age of Classical Piano" consists of ten solo piano classics and two stunning originals. The classics include four by Debussy, one by Satie, four by Chopin, and one by JS Bach. All of these pieces are familiar and easily accessible, and Boscole chose his selections for the music’s relaxing and uplifting qualities, performing them to perfection on a 9’ Steinway D grand piano. Mastered by Joe Bongiorno at Piano Haven, the piano sound is warm, clear and pristine. In short, I LOVE this album, and am almost certain it will be on my list of Favorites for 2014.
The first four tracks are by French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy: “Arabesque #1,” “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum,” “Claire de Lune,” and “Reverie.” In most of his compositions, Debussy wanted the piano to sound like it didn’t have hammers hitting the strings, and Boscole captures that velvety sound beautifully. Erik Satie’s “Gymnopedie #1” is a haunting piece that most people don’t know the name of even though they’ve heard it many times. Often used in films and advertising, it is by far Satie’s best-known and best-loved piece. Boscole keeps it slow, graceful, and simple as it was originally composed. The first of the Chopin pieces is “Prelude #1,” a short flowing piece that livens the mood. His “Mazurka Op. 17 #4” has a dreamy, sighing quality and Boscole plays it from the heart. Bach’s piece is his ever-popular “Prelude in C” with a few small changes that extend the piece a bit. Despite my deep love for these classics, the piece with the biggest “wow!” factor for me is Boscole’s own “Prelude in C Minor.” What a compelling and passionate piece! I hope there will be sheet music for this one soon! Chopin’s “Valse Op. 64 #2” is one of my favorite Chopin pieces to play and I always love hearing others play it well - Boscole does an exceptional job. “Playing Rain” is the second Boscole original. Slow and on the melancholy yet peaceful side, the piece expresses different kinds of rain while staying soothing and relaxing - love it! Chopin’s “Minute Waltz” (which is never played in just a minute) brings this wonderful album to a playful and lighthearted end. Encore!!!
"A New Age of Classical Piano" is excellent from the first note to the last! Very highly recommended!
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Mary M Morris
5.0 out of 5 stars A joy on the car or living room cd
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2017
Clear, precise playing. A joy on the car or living room cd. I have it in permanent rotation in the car, along with his newest, "Skipping Daises". His playing is masterful. I never tire listening to his music.