Music does not need to have words in order for a story to be told. A song does not need lyrics to paint pictures in your head, bringing your senses to life. Sometimes, all I need in my music is a mysterious, haunting, and beautiful melody produced from the delicate keys of a piano.
In Dustin O’Halloran’s current full length album, Piano Solos Vol. 2, ideas and scenes are presented through only the notes of a piano. It’s classical music with a fresher take. As I listen to this album, I am reminded of early classical music brought forth by the early composers such as Chopin and Beethoven, but O’Halloran has his own style and sound. This album is by far one of the most beautiful CDs in my expansive iTunes library.
O’Halloran is a renowned American pianist, spending most of his time at his home in Italy. He has been featured on several soundtracks for films and is also half of the band Devics. Several of his songs were used in Sofia Copolla’s film Marie Antoinette. O’Halloran has also written a full score for the indie film The Beautiful Ordinary as well as Boy of Pigs, which premiered in the Zurich Film Festival. Throughout all these projects, O’Halloran has kept up his solo work by releasing two piano solo albums, including Piano Solos Vol. 2.
What I love about this album is the story within it. There are no words, just notes, but every song stands alone, separate from the others, telling its own story. The first track, “Opus 20,” paints a picture of a dark, snowy night being watched from a frosted window with a glass of wine. “Opus 23,” the fourth track (which is also featured on Marie Antoinette), is a light and pleasant song. It speaks of sunshine felt on a carefree day. The notes are delicate and soft, adding a tone of innocence to the scene.
Article comments
1 - Ellery
Couldn't agree with you more! I discovered Dustin's music when I read that he was going to be opening for k.d. lang at her upcoming show at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona this November. I already had tickets for the show when I read that Dustin would be the opening act, so I went online to research him, having never heard of him. I then discovered that two of his albums were offered on eMusic, to which I subscribe. I previewed a couple tracks and immediately downloaded his entire catalog. This was just a couple of days before I saw him live, and I was so glad I had had that time to become somewhat familiar with his music. His live performance was wonderful. He played with such feeling and precision, the audience was transfixed. And his stage presence was completely charming. Given his talent and personality, I think he can write his own ticket in music. I'm looking forward to his future releases.
2 - Ruth Mills
I'm a big fan of Dustin's music too; I discovered him after doing a Google search for who had composed the music for the ITV trailer "The Brighter Side" in the UK (which reminded me of Michael Nyman's score to "The Piano")... which through serendipity brought me to his website, where I fell in love with his beautiful piano music which I then proceeded to order on CD (both Piano Solos and Piano Solos vol. 2).
I've always been a fan of the piano, particularly the more reflective side of piano music; I love the way that Dustin's music, whilst having a beautiful simplicity on the surface, has hidden depths and conveys such rich emotions.
I think his albums will especially be appreciated by fans of composers such as Satie and Debussy, as many of his piano compositions have (to my ears) the simplicity and directness of much of Satie's music combined with the impressionistic flair of Debussy.